The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- In Salem district, Tamil Nadu, a man posing as a government official phoned women near Attur claiming a new virus spreads through hair and that the state government would pay Rs 15,000 to women (Rs 6,000 for men) who shaved their heads.
- Believing the calls and WhatsApp photos he sent, three women shaved their heads before realizing they had been cheated when the caller's phone was switched off.
- Attur rural police traced the suspect, Satheeshkumar of Ariyalur district, through his mobile phone and arrested him; he reportedly said he did it 'as a joke' while intoxicated.
- Police have advised the public not to believe claims of government schemes made through personal phone calls and to verify such schemes through official announcements only.
What to watch next
- Whether medical examination confirms the suspect's claim of intoxication or a mental health condition, as police noted it cannot be confirmed without such tests
- Legal action and any charges against the suspect, who police say had no prior major criminal record
- Whether the Telegram groups where he allegedly shared head-shaving videos face scrutiny or other members are investigated
Coverage1
1 report
Indian-language1
All filed from India
Named India · Ariyalur · Athur · Puthukothambadi · Salem · Tamil Nadu Government · Telegram · WhatsApp · Attoor Rural Police Station · Kulasekaran · Radhakrishnan · Satishkumar
The 1 report is listed beside the record.
Ask this story
Answers cite the reports above, or say they can't.