‘Insurance agents’ rob woman at knifepoint

The incident took place around 7.30 pm, when the victim, J Govindhammal (49), was alone at her house in Marundheeswarar Nagar. Govindhammal’s son Sakthivel (29), who runs a travel agency, had lodged a complaint that one of his cars was stolen and a case had been registered by the police three months ago. The two men used this as a ploy to enter the house.

They told Govindhammal that they have come for an enquiry from the insurance firm regarding the claim made for the stolen car. As Sakthivel was not present, the two men asked Govindhammal for the Registration Certificate (RC) book of the stolen vehicle. When Govindhammal went inside a room to get the documents, they followed her and threatened her with a knife to not make any noise.

Then, they demanded her to give them the cupboard keys. When she told that her son has the keys, the duo broke open the cupboard and took Rs 4 lakh.

After the two left the house with the cash, Govindhammal informed her son about the incident and he rushed to the house. Police said that the robbers did not inflict any injuries on the woman. Based on a complaint by Sakthiveli at the Tiruvanmiyur police station, a case has been registered and further inquiry is on.

As the gang had known the details of stolen car and particulars of Sakthivel’s family, the police suspect that someone who were aware of Sakthivel’s background must be involved in the crime. The police have collected footage from nearby houses and investigation is on to ascertain the identities of the suspects.

Govindhammal reportedly told the police that she had kept the cash for Sakthivel’s wedding. Govindhammal’s husband Jayapal is working at an oil mill, said sources at the city police.