Priest loses chain to youth’s cash bag bait

“Police said the youth introduced himself as Karthik and claimed to be a NRI to Viswanathan, the priest of the Pathala Ponniyamman Koil at Purasawalkam. Karthik took Viswanathan to a jewellery at Parry’s Corner and selected a few silver ornaments. The youth told the shopkeepers that he would return in the evening and purchase the items after paying cash. Then he took the priest to a textile showroom at Washermenpet and selected a few silk sarees. He also took a shirt for him and tried it. Karthik then took a shirt for the priest and told him to try it out. 

Meanwhile, Karthik told the priest that his gold chain was looking good and wanted to buy one like that. He told the priest that he wanted to wear the chain and see if it suited him. Though Viswanathan was reluctant to hand over the chain, Karthik convinced him by handing over his bag saying that it contained Rs 1.5 lakh in cash. The youth also told the priest could also take a picture of him on his mobile phone Believing his words, Viswanathan gave the gold chain to the accused. He later asked the priest to try the new shirt inside the trial room. When Viswanathan returned, the accused was missing.