Artisan Vanishes with Rs 1.5 Crore Gold in Lucknow, Police Launch Intensive Search
In a shocking incident in Lucknow, a jewellery artisan has allegedly fled with 967 grams of gold valued at over Rs 1.5 crore from the historic Chowk area. The police have swiftly registered a case and initiated a comprehensive manhunt to apprehend the accused.
Trader Files Complaint After Gold Goes Missing
The case was reported by Manthan Patil, a 32-year-old gold and silver trader from Kazipura Uttari in Bahraich. According to Patil, on February 6, he dispatched his employee, Shivaji Bhosale, along with artisan Afzal Ahmed to Lucknow to collect gold jewellery. The plan was for Afzal to retrieve the gold from Brijwasi Sarraf in Aminabad and deliver it directly to New Balaji Ornament, a jewellery shop operated by Shani Verma in Chowk Sarrafa Market.
Alleged Premeditated Conspiracy Unfolds
Patil has alleged that Afzal executed a carefully planned conspiracy. "Afzal deliberately made Shivaji wait in the Chowk Sarrafa Market and went alone to Aminabad, where he collected 967 grams of fine gold," Patil stated, emphasizing that the gold's value exceeded Rs 1.5 crore. To avoid raising suspicion, Afzal reportedly sent photographs of the gold via WhatsApp to the trader.
Upon reaching the Chowk area, instead of proceeding to the designated shop, Afzal allegedly headed towards a parking area, switched off his mobile phone, and disappeared with the precious metal. When Afzal failed to return for an extended period and his phone remained unreachable, Patil grew suspicious of fraud and immediately approached the authorities.
Police Investigation Underway with CCTV Scrutiny
Chowk Station House Officer Nagesh Upadhay confirmed that the police have registered a case based on the detailed complaint. Police officials are currently examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to gather crucial evidence and track the movements of the absconding accused. Efforts are intensifying to trace Afzal Ahmed and recover the stolen gold, with law enforcement agencies coordinating closely to follow all possible leads.
This incident has sent ripples through the local jewellery trade community, highlighting vulnerabilities in the handling of high-value transactions. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, assuring that all tips will be treated with confidentiality as the investigation progresses.
