The police said that Praveen runs a jewellery shop in the city. He is said to have approached one Mohammad, who promised to give him gold jewellery from abroad at a cheaper rate. Mohammad asked him to bring the cash to a house, which he claimed was that of his friend, on Sivasailam Salai, Royapettah. Believing him, Praveen reached there with cash.

As soon as he reached there, Mohammad and his accomplice Ahmed took the money promising to return with the jewellery. After waiting for nearly an hour, Praveen called Mohammad, who promised to return in some time. However, his mobile phone was switched off a minutes after that.

Praveen has lodged a complaint with Royapettah police.