KOCHI: Actor and BJP leader Suresh Gopi lends a helping hand to a British woman who is a victim of financial fraud. Suresh Gopi helped Penelope Koch (75), a resident of the UK, who lives in a homestay in Fort Kochi.

Rs 60,0000 was handed over for air tickets to and from the country for renewal of tourist visa in India, a fine for staying in the country in violation of the visa, and other expenses of Rs 60,0000. Production Controller Dixon Poduthas on behalf of Suresh Gopi and Executive Producer Akhil handed over the amount to Penelope.

Penelope came to Kochi in 2007 with her husband. After liking the place, she came back to Kochi many times. After her husband died in Kochi in 2010, she decided to live there. In 2011, Penelope became famous in Kochi when she formed an organization called 'Mad Dog Trust', a shelter for stray dogs using her own money. Meanwhile, Penelope received about eight crore rupees from the sale of her house in Britain. The money was kept in a foreign bank.

Penelope says that her ordeal began after a financial deal she made with a close friend of her helper. After promising a certain monthly amount, seven and a half crore rupees were transferred to him through Penelope's account. In the meantime, her bank account was frozen and a case was filed against Penelope for alleged illegal money transfer.

According to Penelope's complaint to the commissioner, the borrower had been duping her for eight years. She does not have a penny to her name and she lives in a homestay in Fort Kochi on loan. Penelope says that even though her visa has expired, she is unable to renew it or even get a ticket.