Police in Karnataka's Udupi district have successfully apprehended a man accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fake gold scam, cheating a buyer of a substantial sum of Rs 5 lakh. The arrest brings to light a calculated fraud that took place on a busy roadside.
The Deceptive Transaction on Siddapur–Kamalashile Road
The incident, which led to the arrest, occurred on December 16. According to the official complaint, the victim, identified as Gopal from Ganamuru in Raichur district, was approached by the accused. The meeting point was the Siddapur–Kamalashile road around 1 pm.
During this encounter, the accused allegedly presented himself as a seller offering gold at a price significantly lower than the market rate. He claimed the gold bar weighed 150 grams. Trusting the offer, Gopal proceeded to hand over Rs 5 lakh in cash. In return, he was given what was later confirmed to be counterfeit gold. Immediately after completing the transaction, the accused fled the scene, leaving the victim defrauded.
Police Investigation and Swift Arrest
Following Gopal's formal complaint, the Shankaranarayana police registered a serious case. The charges were filed under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), namely Sections 316(2), 318(2), and 3(5).
The investigation was carried out under the direct guidance of Kundapur Subdivision DSP HD Kulkarni and Kundapur Circle Police Inspector Santosh A Kaikini. Utilizing available clues and technical surveillance, the police team tracked down the suspect. The breakthrough led them to the Fort area in Chitradurga, where the accused was located and taken into custody.
The arrested individual has been named as Jayaprakash D, a resident of Gandhinagar in Challakere taluk of Chitradurga district.
Recovery of Cash and Assets
The police action yielded significant recoveries linked to the crime. From the possession of Jayaprakash D, authorities seized Rs 4.5 lakh in cash, believed to be part of the proceeds from the fraudulent deal. Furthermore, the vehicle allegedly used to commit the crime was also confiscated. The police have estimated the value of this seized car to be around Rs 10 lakh.
After the arrest and seizure, the accused was formally produced before a competent court to face judicial proceedings. The recovery of a large portion of the cash and the expensive asset marks a crucial success for the investigating officers, providing material evidence and some restitution in the case.
This arrest serves as a stern warning to those involved in similar precious metal frauds across the region. It underscores the vigilance of the Karnataka police in tackling financial crimes that exploit the trust of ordinary citizens seeking good deals.
