Prospective tenant throws chilli powder, flees with 12 sovereigns

ALAPPUZHA: An elderly couple was robbed of 12 sovereigns of gold after a middle-aged man, who had approached them seeking to rent their house, allegedly threw chilli powder at them in broad daylight in Alappuzha on Sunday. The victims have been identified as K.R. Sudarshan (70), a former Purchase Manager at Coirfed, and his wife Ratnakumari (65), residents of Aparna House at Kaniyamkulam, Kaithavana. The incident occurred at around 1 p.m.

The couple had advertised the upper floor of their house for rent after the previous tenants vacated. According to police, the suspect first visited the house on Saturday after seeing the advertisement, assessed the premises and left. He returned around 7 a.m. on Sunday to discuss the rental arrangements and came back again at about 1 p.m. carrying what he claimed was a rental agreement.

When Sudarshan said a witness would be required to execute the agreement, the suspect allegedly moved closer under the pretext of showing the document and suddenly threw chilli powder into his face. He then pushed Sudarshan to the ground when he tried to resist.
Hearing the commotion, Ratnakumari rushed out of the kitchen. The suspect allegedly threatened to kill her before removing the couple's jewellery. He then dragged her to a room, took additional ornaments kept in a cupboard and fled with the valuables.

After Ratnakumari pleaded with him, the suspect returned her thali chain before escaping and also gave back a gold pendant that Sudarshan had been wearing.
The couple was admitted to hospital. Sudarshan, who has a heart condition, sustained an injury to his hand. Forensic experts later examined the scene.
Police said CCTV footage from a supermarket near the house captured the suspect arriving on a motorcycle. The accused is believed to be a native of Kasaragod. Sources indicated that he has been taken into custody, although police have not officially confirmed the arrest.