Srinagar: Police in Srinagar have arrested a goldsmith accused of selling counterfeit gold ornaments, busting a major fraud.
A police spokesperson, in a statement issued to news agency JKNS, said, “On 09/01/2025, a written complaint was lodged at Police Station Nowhatta by Nisar Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Bindoo Kokernag currently residing in Srinagar and working as a storekeeper at Lalmandi. He reported purchasing gold ornaments from Mehraj Din Qazi, the proprietor of M/S Soliya Ornaments in Bijbehara, which upon inspection turned out to be fake.”
Subsequently, an FIR (No. 02/2025) was registered under relevant sections of law at Police Station Nowhatta. Acting promptly, the investigation team arrested the accused shopkeeper, identified as Mehraj Din Qazi, son of Gh Mohammad Qazi, a resident of Bijbehara, and seized the counterfeit jewellery.
During questioning, the accused confessed to selling fake ornaments embossed with counterfeit hallmarks and delivering them to various locations in Srinagar, including Nowhatta.
The statement further revealed that laboratory tests confirmed the seized jewellery to be counterfeit. Investigations are ongoing to uncover additional links in the fraudulent network.
The police have urged people to remain cautious and not fall prey to individuals offering gold ornaments at cheap rates, reads the statement. (JKNS)
