Hunsur Rural Police have apprehended a man who allegedly deceived a jewellery shop by pawning counterfeit gold rings bearing the KDM916 hallmark.
The accused, identified as Manjunath alias Mahesh (45), hails from Chennarayapatna in Hassan district. Police reports state that Manjunath had repeatedly visited Kaveri Jewelers in Gavadagere village, Hunsur taluk, since 2023. Each time, he arrived by car, presenting fake rings that appeared genuine due to the forged purity stamp.
The fraudulent activities continued undetected for nearly two years, during which he pledged 11 imitation rings and swindled the shop out of around ₹5 lakh. The scam eventually came to light when the shop’s owner, Rajendra Singh, discovered the items were counterfeit and promptly lodged a complaint with the Hunsur Rural Police Station.
A case was registered, and under the guidance of Mysuru District Superintendent of Police Vishnuvardhan and Hunsur Sub-Division Deputy Superintendent of Police Gopalakrishna, the investigation team tracked down and arrested Manjunath.
The operation was led by Hunsur Gramantara Police Station Inspector Muniyappa N and Deputy Inspector Srinivasalu, along with staff members Mahadeva, Ramesh, H.C. Manjunath, V.J. Imran Sharif, and jeep driver Sundar Raju, who played key roles in bringing the accused into custody.
Authorities have emphasized that strict action will be taken against those who engage in similar fraudulent schemes targeting local businesses.