Chennai, Oct 21:
Chennai airport police have arrested a 52-year-old former Airports Authority of India (AAI) official for allegedly cheating 12 people of ₹23 lakh by promising permanent jobs at the airport and its air cargo complex.
The accused, Kumari Kala of Malaipattu near Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district, had worked as a senior superintendent at Chennai airport before taking voluntary retirement in 2025. After retirement, she reportedly operated a goods vehicle rental business under a contract and frequently visited the cargo section at Meenambakkam. Police said she allegedly introduced herself to cargo vehicle drivers as a senior airport official and offered to secure well-paid jobs for educated youngsters in their families. She reportedly collected between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh from each applicant and issued job application forms.
When appointment orders did not arrive even after six months, the applicants questioned her. She allegedly told them that their applications had been forwarded to the AAI headquarters in Delhi and that the appointment orders would follow. The drivers later discovered that she had retired and was no longer associated with the airport. When they demanded the return of their money, she allegedly went into hiding. Twelve drivers and their family members subsequently lodged a complaint with the Joint Commissioner of Police (South), following which airport police registered a case and formed a special team. Kala was arrested and remanded in judicial custody at Puzhal Central Prison. Police are also examining whether she collected money from other applicants.