Representative Image 
Tamil Nadu

Man poses as cop, extorts childless couple in Salem; arrested

The couple last month handed over money to Arun Kumar near Karuppur in Salem

DTNEXT Bureau

SALEM: A man who allegedly posed as an Erode crime inspector and extorted Rs 3 lakh from a couple seeking to adopt a child was arrested by the Karuppur police on Thursday.

Pathamuthu and Poondhimatha of Inam Karisalkulam were childless for 23 years.

Poondhimatha’s relative had directed them to Arun Kumar of Salem for adoption. The couple last month handed over money to Arun Kumar near Karuppur in Salem.

But two men posing as Erode crime police officers took the cash.

Following a complaint, police traced Palanibarathi of Sivadhapuram and Arun Kumar of Manianur, who later surrendered in court. Vettrivel (48), of Veerappanchatram, who impersonated the inspector, was arrested.

2026 TN elections | VCK names candidates for three Puducherry constituencies amid standoff with Congress

The Latest: Trump says Iran eager to make deal after Tehran dismisses ceasefire plan

Concerned about Sonia Gandhi's hospitalisation, says CM Stalin

India among 5 nations granted passage through Strait of Hormuz by Tehran

Skipper Gaikwad, Samson set to form CSK’s opening pair in IPL 2026