Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (MS)
Puttur, Nov 7: A woman in Keyyur village sparked widespread panic after allegedly fabricating a story about an attack by the so-called 'Chaddi Gang’. She claimed to have narrowly escaped from her house as a group of masked dacoits wielding swords demanded cash and gold on Tuesday night. Following her viral video, police arrived on the scene to investigate.
During questioning, police discovered that the story was entirely false, created by Margaret, a Kerala native residing in Keyyur. The reason behind her actions is still unclear, and Puttur rural police are continuing the investigation.
Margaret’s story unravelled when CI Ravi B S reviewed her mobile phone, revealing that the photos she had circulated were actually from an unrelated incident in Kerala two years ago. The images were part of a video shoot in Kottayam depicting forest dwellers, not any recent crime. Margaret had reportedly sent these photos to her landlord, Baathish, claiming dacoits had invaded the property.
Baathish, the homeowner, grew suspicious as Margaret had previously lied to him about being bitten by a snake. This past incident led him to question her claims about the 'Chaddi Gang’. Alarmed by the fear Margaret’s story caused among villagers, Baathish has reportedly asked her family to vacate the premises.
Margaret, who has been living in the rented house in Sanangala for the past 40 days with her husband George, a rubber tapper, and their child, also displayed erratic behaviour. When police confronted her, she initially refused to admit her story was false and became disruptive, even attempting to prevent journalists from recording her. She argued with police officers, threatened to involve Kerala police, and resisted handing over her phone.
CI Ravi B S confirmed that the story was entirely fabricated and reassured residents that no 'Chaddi Gang' had attacked the village. Keyyur gram panchayat president Sharat Kumar Madavu also stated that the police clarification has eased the fear among villagers caused by the incident.