Woman allegedly cheats goldsmiths, copper dealers of lakhs in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 5: A shocking case of fraud has surfaced in Srinagar, where a woman has allegedly cheated several gold and copper dealers of valuables worth lakhs of rupees through deception and fake cheques.
Gold Smiths during a press conference in Srinagar said that, at least three jewellers, Shah-e-Hamdan Ornaments at Lal Bazar, Maqdoomi Zevraat near Nawa Kadal, and Zarger Jewellers at Soura, have fallen victim to the same fraudster over the past few months. The alleged incidents took place between late July and late August this year, involving losses amounting to more than Rs 17 lakh in total.
Documents and photographs obtained by Kashmir News Trust reveal that the accused, posing as a customer, would visit jewellery shops claiming she wished to show ornaments to her family before confirming the purchase. After gaining the shopkeepers’ trust, she would take the ornaments and promise to return shortly, only to switch off her phone and disappear.
In one case, Shah-e-Hamdan Ornaments at Lal Bazar reported a loss of ornaments worth around Rs 5 lakh on August 21. The shop’s owner filed an FIR the next day at Lal Bazar Police Station. In another incident, Maqdoomi Zevraat near Kani Mazar, Nawa Kadal, suffered a similar fraud on August 8, with losses of approximately Rs 5 lakh. The complainant submitted a report to Police Post Bagiyas.
Zarger Jewellers at Soura reported being duped of ornaments worth Rs 7 lakh on July 29. The owner, after approaching Soura Police Station, said the police had promised action and were verifying details.
All three victims provided photographs, video footage, and fake Bank cheques allegedly linked to a person identified as Ajaz Ahmad Khan, described in documents as a “history-sheeter and gang member.” The cheques were reportedly used by the accused woman to convince shopkeepers of her authenticity before fleeing with the goods.
Police have initiated investigations into the matter, with FIR already registered. Victims have appealed to authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the accused and recover their stolen ornaments. [KNT]