A sophisticated fraud scheme has been uncovered in the heart of Indore's famous Sarafa market, where a local jeweller was allegedly duped of gold worth a staggering Rs 40 lakh. The accused, a trader who had meticulously gained the victim's trust over nearly two months, vanished without a trace after the final deal, leaving the police to piece together an elaborate con.
The Elaborate Setup and The Fateful Deal
According to police officials, the accused, identified as Shantilal Sawariya, a resident of Shakkar Bazaar, laid the groundwork for this fraud almost 56 days before executing it. He took a shop on rent in the Sarafa area through a broker, establishing a seemingly legitimate presence in the market. This long-term planning was key to gaining the confidence of other traders.
The plot culminated on November 28. Sawariya visited the shop of complainant Mukesh Agrawal, son of Murarilal Agrawal and a resident of Usha Nagar. There, he finalised a deal to purchase half a kilogram of gold for Rs 60 lakh. To appear genuine, the accused paid Rs 20 lakh in cash on the spot. He then assured Mukesh that the remaining Rs 40 lakh would be handed over from his own shop, which was located nearby.
The Execution and Disappearance
Trusting the accused due to his established presence in the market, jeweller Mukesh Agrawal sent two of his employees, Hareram and Varun, to accompany Sawariya to his shop with the gold. The police report details that once inside his rented premises, Sawariya placed the gold inside a safe and told the employees he would step out briefly to arrange the remaining payment.
When he did not return for a long time, the worried employees decided to check. To their shock, they discovered that the shop had another rear exit, which the accused had used to flee with the precious metal. The safe was empty, and Sawariya was nowhere to be found.
Police Investigation and FIR Registration
Additional DCP Dishesh Agarwal stated that the victim, Mukesh Agrawal, initially submitted a written complaint but was hesitant to lodge a formal First Information Report (FIR) due to fears of reputational damage in the close-knit market community. However, he later approached the Indore Police Commissioner, prompting a detailed inquiry.
Following the inquiry, the Sarafa Police formally registered an FIR against Shantilal Sawariya. The investigation confirmed that the accused had rented the shop with the sole purpose of executing this fraud, using the two-month period to build a facade of credibility. Police are now pursuing leads to track down the absconding trader.
This incident has sent ripples of concern through Indore's bustling Sarafa market, a hub for jewellery trade, highlighting how trust can be exploited for elaborate financial crimes. The case underscores the importance of verification and caution even in seemingly secure business environments.
