Uttarakhand Man Arrested in Elaborate Rs 22 Lakh Treasure Scam
In a significant development, Gadag district police have apprehended a man from Uttarakhand on serious charges of cheating a woman from Dharwad, allegedly swindling her out of a substantial sum of Rs 22 lakh. The arrest follows a complex investigation into a treasure trace scam centered around Lakkundi.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Superintendent of Police Rohan Hagadeesh confirmed that the accused, identified as Hazarat Moulvi, a resident of Kashipur in Uttarakhand, was arrested and brought to Karnataka for further legal proceedings. The police revealed that Moulvi is suspected of cheating multiple individuals in the region, indicating this might be part of a broader pattern of fraudulent activities.
The case originated when Basheera Banu, a resident of Dharwad, filed a formal complaint in September 2022. She alleged that Moulvi had systematically collected Rs 22 lakh from her in multiple installments, promising to help her locate and recover hidden treasure. To gain her trust, he reportedly displayed fake gold ornaments, creating an illusion of authenticity and expertise in treasure hunting.
The Elaborate Scam Unfolded
According to police statements, the scam involved several intricate steps:
- Moulvi approached local farmers in Lakkundi through Banu, visiting their agricultural fields in September 2022.
- He identified specific spots, claiming they contained buried treasure, and assured the farmers he would return after one month to excavate it.
- In a deceptive maneuver, he purchased a large copper vessel from Gadag and filled it with chocolates wrapped in gold-colored foil.
- This vessel was then buried in one of the fields, purportedly as part of the treasure recovery process.
The situation escalated when a quarrel erupted among the farmers and other involved parties. Upon discovering that the so-called "treasure" consisted merely of chocolates with gold-colored wrappers, Banu realized she had been defrauded and filed the initial police complaint.
Recent Developments and Evidence
In a recent twist, Banu filed another complaint just ten days ago, alleging that the treasure—which was supposedly to be surrendered to government authorities—had been looted by miscreants. She provided police with video evidence of the purported treasure, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation.
Police authorities are now examining all evidence thoroughly, including the video footage and statements from multiple victims. The arrest of Moulvi marks a crucial step in addressing what appears to be a calculated scheme targeting vulnerable individuals with promises of hidden wealth.
This case highlights the importance of public vigilance against such elaborate financial scams, particularly those involving promises of quick riches through treasure discovery. Authorities continue to investigate whether more victims exist in the region and urge anyone with similar experiences to come forward.
