SRINAGAR, Jan 16: Police in Srinagar have arrested a goldsmith accused of selling counterfeit gold ornaments, following a complaint lodged by a local resident, officials said on Thursday.
The case came to light on January 9, 2025, when Nisar Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Bindoo Kokernag currently living in Srinagar, filed a written complaint at Police Station Nowhatta. Bhat, a storekeeper, alleged that he had purchased gold ornaments from Mehraj Din Qazi, the proprietor of M/S Soliya Ornaments in Bijbihara, only to discover later that the items were fake.
Upon receiving the complaint, police promptly registered a case under FIR No. 02/2025 and initiated an investigation. The accused shopkeeper, Qazi, was apprehended, and the counterfeit jewellery was seized.
During questioning, Qazi reportedly admitted to deceiving customers by embossing fake hallmarks on gold-like ornaments. Investigators also uncovered that the accused had been delivering these fake items to various locations in Srinagar, including Nowhatta.
“Laboratory tests of the seized jewellery have confirmed that the ornaments are indeed counterfeit,” police stated, adding that the investigation is ongoing to trace any further links in this fraudulent network.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams, particularly offers of gold ornaments sold at suspiciously low rates. The police emphasized their commitment to cracking down on fraudulent practices and ensuring the safety of consumers.
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