Fri Jan 02 13:24:31 UTC 2026: Summary:
This document consists of two parts. The first part describes the contents of an e-paper edition of “The Hindu” newspaper for January 2, 2026, including various sections like “The View From India,” “First Day First Show,” “Today’s Cache,” “Science For All,” “Data Point,” “Health Matters,” and “The Hindu On Books.” The second part is a news article from Kannur, India, reporting the arrest of Mohammed Shibil C. for allegedly defrauding a homemaker of gold ornaments and cash under the guise of offering interest-free gold loans. The scam involved collecting gold as collateral and then failing to return it or the loan money. Another accused, E. Prakasan, was previously arrested. The accused are allegedly involved in similar frauds amounting to around ₹3 crore.
News Article:
Man Arrested in Interest-Free Gold Loan Scam in Kannur
KANNUR, INDIA – January 2, 2026 – Dharmadam police have arrested Mohammed Shibil C., 39, of Thottummel, Vadakumbad, in connection with a fraudulent gold loan scheme. Shibil, one of the owners of the involved firm and the fourth accused in the case, is accused of swindling a Dharmadam homemaker of gold ornaments and cash by promising interest-free gold loans.
The alleged scam was conducted from a business near the Thalassery General Hospital. The victim was lured with the promise of an interest-free loan, with assurances that her pledged gold or an equivalent weight in new ornaments would be returned upon repayment.
Police report that the accused collected 62.300 grams of gold ornaments in exchange for a ₹2.5 lakh loan, and later an additional ₹1.25 lakh. Neither the gold nor the money was returned, leading the victim to report the crime.
Another suspect, E. Prakasan, had been previously arrested. Police believe the accused are involved in approximately ₹3 crore worth of similar fraudulent activities, facing around 30 related charges. The investigation is ongoing.
First Piper 