A 31-year-old software professional was allegedly cheated of ₹8.53 lakh and 38 sovereigns of gold jewellery by a couple who befriended her and borrowed the valuables, claiming they needed funds to start a playschool in Alandur. The St. Thomas Mount police arrested the couple on Thursday and recovered a mobile phone from them.Police said the woman, Divya, 31, lives alone in an apartment in New NGO Colony, Adambakkam, and works for a private software company. Last year, she visited a private nutrition centre in Alandur for treatment, where she became acquainted with Karpagam, who was also undergoing treatment there.In July 2025, Karpagam and her husband, Satheesh Kumar, allegedly told Divya that they planned to start a playschool in Alandur and needed money to invest in the venture. The couple reportedly assured her that the amount would be repaid within three months.Believing their claim, Divya allegedly transferred ₹8.53 lakh to Karpagam through multiple bank transactions and credit card payments. She also handed over around 38 sovereigns of gold jewellery over the following months.A few months ago, after Divya’s marriage was fixed, she asked Karpagam to return the money and jewellery. Karpagam allegedly returned only about 20 sovereigns of gold and failed to repay the remaining amount or return the rest of the jewellery.As the couple allegedly continued to avoid her, Divya approached the Crime Wing of the St Thomas Mount police and lodged a complaint seeking recovery of her money and jewellery. Based on the complaint, police conducted an inquiry and arrested Karpagam, 38, of Pazhavanthangal, and her husband, Satheesh Kumar, 41. Further investigation is under way. Published - August 15, 2026 12:35 am IST