Chennai: A former Airports Authority of India (AAI) official was arrested by Chennai airport police for cheating 12 cargo vehicle drivers and their families of ₹23 lakh by promising permanent jobs at the airport and its cargo complex.Police said Kumari Kala, 52, of Malaipattu near Sriperumbudur in Kancheepuram district, served as a senior superintendent with AAI at Chennai airport before taking voluntary retirement in 2025. She then operated air cargo vehicles on a contract basis.Kala often visited the cargo area and introduced herself as a senior airport official. She told cargo vehicle drivers she could secure well-paid jobs at the airport and cargo offices for educated youngsters.Believing her, several drivers sought employment for their children. Kala collected between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh from each applicant.However, even after six months, none of them received appointment orders. The drivers made inquiries with airport authorities and learnt that Kala had retired in 2025.Subsequently, 12 affected drivers and their family members lodged a police complaint. Police registered a case and arrested Kala.Police found that she collected money from several people by promising them jobs, even while she was in service. She had faced departmental inquiries over similar complaints.
