The Hindu : Front Page : Tricksters target visitors to hospital

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Sunday, Aug 06, 2006

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Tricksters target visitors to hospital

P. Oppili

Woman loses consciousness and seven sovereigns of gold chain at General Hospital

— Photo: K. Pichumani

A view of the Government General Hospital in Chennai.

CHENNAI: It is not just train passengers who fall victim to biscuit bandits. Visitors to the Government General Hospital here too fall prey to confidence tricksters.

A 60-year-old woman from Ramanathapuram district who came to the hospital was stripped of seven sovereigns of gold chain on Friday.

Police said Pachaiammal (60) was drawn into a conversation with a stranger.

When she told her that she had come for knee treatment, she was told that the Government was providing subsidy for the treatment of poor people and was warned against wearing jewellery while meeting the authorities.

Believing her, Pachaiammal reportedly gave her jewellery to the stranger.

During the conversation, the trickster offered Pachaiammal a drink. Pachaiammal blacked out and regained consciousness only to find herself near a cinema hall on Anna Salai.

She was unable to recall what had happened, but realised that her chain was missing.

S. Choodeswaran, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Flower Bazaar, said following the incident adequate personnel were posted at the hospital.

He appealed to the people not to accept edible items or bottled drinks from strangers.

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