SRINAGAR: Srinagar police have apprehended a shopkeeper accused of selling counterfeit gold ornaments following a complaint lodged on January 9, 2025. The complainant, Nisar Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Bindoo Kokernag currently living in Srinagar and employed as a storekeeper at Lalmandi, reported the fraud to Police Station Nowhatta.
Bhat stated that he had purchased gold ornaments from Mehraj Din Qazi, the proprietor of M/S Soliya Ornaments in Bijbihara. However, upon closer inspection, the jewellery was found to be fake. A case was promptly registered under FIR No. 02/2025, and an investigation was initiated.
Acting swiftly, police arrested Qazi, the accused shopkeeper and a resident of Bijbihara. They also seized the counterfeit jewellery. During questioning, Qazi confessed to embossing fake hallmarks on gold-like ornaments to deceive customers. He also admitted to delivering the counterfeit items to various locations in Srinagar, including Nowhatta.
Laboratory tests confirmed that the seized ornaments were indeed counterfeit. Police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing to identify any further links in the fraudulent network.
