Hubballi Trader Allegedly Cheated Of Rs 1.5 Crore In Fake Gold Soil Scam

A jewellery trader in Hubballi has allegedly been cheated of gold ornaments and cash worth around Rs 1.5 crore after a man reportedly convinced him that gold could be recovered from ash mixed soil.

The incident came to light after the trader examined more of the material given to him and found no gold. He subsequently approached the police, who have registered a case and begun searching for the accused.

The complainant has been identified as Mantukumar, owner of Om Diamond and Jewellers in Durgadabail, Hubballi. According to the complaint, a man named Mukesh from Haryana had known the trader for around a year and had visited the jewellery shop several times for gold related transactions.

The relationship reportedly helped Mukesh gain the trader’s confidence. On August 13, Mukesh allegedly arrived at the shop with another person. He reportedly told Mantukumar that a family wedding had been fixed and even offered him sweets during the visit.

The conversation then reportedly took an unusual turn. Mukesh showed the trader ash mixed soil and claimed that it contained gold which could be recovered by carefully sieving the material.

Initially, the claim appeared convincing. Mantukumar reportedly tested some of the soil and recovered around 10 grams of gold from it. The gold was subsequently examined and was found to be genuine.

This discovery is believed to have strengthened the trader’s confidence in Mukesh’s claim. The accused allegedly told him that he had around three and a half kilograms of similar soil and that it contained a much larger quantity of gold.

Believing the claim, the trader reportedly handed over 1 kilogram and 375 grams of gold ornaments along with Rs 24.5 lakh in cash. The total value of the gold and money was estimated at around Rs 1.5 crore.

Mukesh allegedly left with the valuables after receiving them. The trader later began checking the larger quantity of soil that had been provided to him. This time, however, no gold was reportedly found.

The discovery raised immediate suspicion. When Mantukumar allegedly tried to contact Mukesh, his mobile phone was switched off. The trader then realised that he may have been targeted through a carefully planned deception and approached the police.

Police have registered a case based on the complaint and launched an investigation. Efforts are underway to trace Mukesh and establish his exact whereabouts.

Investigators are also expected to examine how the genuine gold recovered from the first sample was used to convince the trader before the larger transaction took place. The source of the soil and the identity and role of the second person who reportedly accompanied Mukesh are also part of the investigation.

The case highlights how fraudsters can use small demonstrations or apparently convincing samples to gain the trust of victims before seeking larger amounts of money or valuables. Jewellery traders and other businesses are often approached with claims involving valuable materials, making independent verification especially important before any major transaction.

For now, the allegations against Mukesh remain part of the police investigation. His exact background, whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding the alleged fraud will become clearer as investigators collect evidence and question people connected to the case.

The Hubballi police are continuing efforts to locate the accused and recover the valuables allegedly taken from the trader.