Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 5: All Kashmir Gold Dealers and Workers Association today accused a woman of defrauding several jewellers of gold worth lakhs of rupees over the past few years by issuing cheques that later bounced.
Addressing a press conference here, president of the Association, Bashir Ahmad, alleged that the woman, who is currently on the run, has duped multiple shops in Srinagar and other districts, including Kupwara, Pulwama, and Sopore.
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He said those affected include Shah-e-Hamdan Ornaments, Botakadal-Rs 5 lakh; Makhdoomi Zewrat, Nawakadal-Rs 5 lakh; Zargar Ornaments-Rs 7 lakh; Baba Ornaments-Rs 1 lakh; Zehra Ornaments-Rs 2.5 lakh; and Alam Ornaments-Rs 1 lakh.
The total amount defrauded so far is estimated to be around Rs 26 lakh, he added, noting that there could be more unreported cases. According to the Association, the accused initially gained the trust of jewellers by conducting business properly before defaulting.
“She has been working tactfully. She wins people’s confidence and later defrauds them,” Ahmad said.
The Association said that multiple FIRs have been registered, but despite this, the accused continues to evade arrest.
“The police seem helpless as she keeps obtaining anticipatory bail. The Awantipora police even issued her photograph recently, but she remains untraced,” the jewellers alleged.
They urged the authorities to ensure that she is denied bail and called on fellow traders to remain vigilant.
“Do not engage in any business with her and inform the police immediately if she is spotted,” one jeweller appealed.
The accused, who reportedly claims to be from Maisuma, is believed to have associates assisting her in the fraud.
“We have also learned that she has cheated people from other trades as well,” the jewellers said, expressing hope that justice will be delivered soon.
They said Zargar Jewellers at Soura reported being duped of ornaments worth Rs 7 lakh on July 29th this year.
The owner said he had approached Soura Police Station, and the police assured that action would follow after verifying the details.
The 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 allegedly used by the accused woman to convince shopkeepers of her authenticity before fleeing with the gold items.
Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, with an FIR already registered, but without action so far. Victims have appealed to authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the accused and recover their stolen ornaments.
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