Aurangabad Jeweller Files FIR Over Rs 2.9 Crore Gold and Silver Fraud
In a significant case of alleged business fraud, a jeweller based in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) has accused three traders from Rajkot, Gujarat, of cheating him out of precious metals worth approximately Rs 2.9 crore. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the City Chowk police station, initiating a probe into the matter under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Details of the Alleged Cheating Scheme
According to the complaint filed by Atish Savaiwala, a 46-year-old proprietor of Ankita Jewellers in Kasari Bazaar, the accused individuals—identified as Jaideep Zinzuwadiya, Vishal Zinzuwadiya, and Kalpesh Zinzuwadiya—lured him with promises of reduced jewellery manufacturing costs. Savaiwala stated that he had maintained business relations with Jaideep and Vishal for over a decade, during which they supplied gold jewellery and conducted transactions totalling Rs 7-8 crore, thereby earning his trust.
On January 26, the three accused visited Aurangabad and claimed to have secured partnerships with major companies, enabling them to offer jewellery production at a labour charge of just 1.5%. They assured Savaiwala that the finished products would be delivered within 20 to 25 days. Convinced by their proposal, Savaiwala handed over raw materials, including:
- 1,695 grams of gold bullion
- 226.11 grams of silver
- 96.9 grams of copper
Failed Delivery and Subsequent Threats
The complainant alleged that the accused failed to deliver the jewellery within the promised timeframe and subsequently became unreachable. In an attempt to resolve the issue, Savaiwala travelled to Rajkot, where the accused reportedly claimed that their workers had stolen the gold. When Savaiwala expressed his intention to file a police complaint, he was allegedly threatened by a group of individuals who warned him of false kidnapping charges.
Further escalating the situation, the accused are said to have issued threats over the phone, demanding that Savaiwala forget about the materials and refrain from visiting Rajkot again. These allegations have added a layer of intimidation to the case, highlighting the serious nature of the dispute.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Based on Savaiwala's detailed complaint, the City Chowk police have registered the FIR under BNS sections 3(5), 316(2), and 318(4), which pertain to cheating and criminal breach of trust. The investigation is currently underway, with authorities examining the evidence and statements to determine the validity of the claims.
This incident underscores the risks associated with high-value business transactions in the jewellery industry, where trust and timely delivery are paramount. The case has drawn attention to the need for stringent verification processes in trade dealings, especially when involving substantial amounts of precious metals.
As the probe continues, the police are expected to gather further details from both parties and possibly expand their investigation to include any accomplices or related fraudulent activities. The outcome of this case could have implications for business practices and legal safeguards in the jewellery sector across regions.
