Bengaluru: The Bharathi Nagar Police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly cheating a jewellery shop by posing as its owner and collecting gold chains fraudulently. The accused, identified as Dharmveer Singh alias Pintu, had been absconding for nearly five months before being apprehended.
According to police, Pintu is a native of Rajasthan and was employed at a jewellery shop located on Masjid Road in the city. He was entrusted with transporting gold ornaments between shops and was familiar with the procedures involved in jewellery exchange and inter-shop transactions.
Allegedly exploited owner’s absence
Police said the accused allegedly took advantage of the shop owner’s absence, as he had travelled to Hyderabad at the time. Using his knowledge of business operations and established contacts with other jewellers, Pintu reportedly approached another jewellery shop claiming to represent the owner.
He allegedly collected seven gold chains from the shop under the pretext of official business. Since he was known in the local jewellery circuit and had previously handled similar transactions, the receiving shop did not suspect foul play.
After obtaining the ornaments, the accused is said to have fled to Rajasthan. When the shop owner returned and enquired about the transaction, it became clear that the gold chains had been fraudulently obtained.
Five-month manhunt
Following a complaint, Bharathi Nagar police registered a case and launched a search operation. The accused remained untraceable for nearly five months, during which he allegedly stayed outside Karnataka to evade arrest.
Acting on a tip-off regarding his whereabouts, a police team tracked him down and apprehended him. Officials said he was taken into custody and brought back to Bengaluru for further questioning.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to the crime. Police recovered 239 grams of gold ornaments from his possession, valued at approximately ₹33.5 lakh. The recovered items are believed to be part of the stolen jewellery.
Gold trade vulnerability highlighted
Police officials said the case highlights the need for stringent verification procedures in the jewellery trade, particularly during inter-shop exchanges. While trust and familiarity often form the basis of business dealings in the sector, the incident underscores the importance of written authorisation and direct confirmation from proprietors.
The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to cheating and criminal breach of trust. He has been produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
Investigators are also examining whether the accused attempted similar frauds elsewhere or had accomplices. Further inquiry is underway to ascertain if any of the stolen ornaments were sold or pledged.
Police urge vigilance
City police have advised jewellery shop owners and employees to exercise caution while handling high-value transactions. They recommended that businesses implement verification protocols, especially when owners are away and staff are tasked with collecting or delivering ornaments.
Officials reiterated that prompt reporting and coordinated police action were instrumental in tracing the accused and recovering a significant portion of the stolen gold.
With the recovery of ornaments worth ₹33.5 lakh, the police said they have made substantial progress in the case. Further investigation is ongoing to complete legal formalities and ensure appropriate prosecution.