As Rewari residents flocked to markets for Dhanteras and Diwali preparations, a major fraud involving the sale of counterfeit precious metals was unearthed in the heart of the city’s jewelry hub.
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The Complaint: A local resident purchased five “pure gold” coins (5 grams each) for a family ritual. Suspicious of the coin’s weight and a slight discoloration on the rim, he took them to a government-approved testing center. The results showed the coins were made of copper and zinc, with only a thin microscopic layer of gold plating.
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The Police Raid: Following the complaint, a team from the Rewari City Police Station and officials from the Weights and Measures department raided the shop.
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Seizure: Police recovered over 40 counterfeit coins and several fake “hallmark” certificates used to deceive gullible buyers.
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Modus Operandi: The jeweler was reportedly targeting middle-class buyers by offering “special festive discounts” and “no-making-charge” schemes on these coins.
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Victim Impact: Within hours of the arrest, several other customers reached the police station claiming they had been sold similar coins over the past week. “I spent my savings for a Diwali gift, only to find out it’s just copper,” said a tearful victim.
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Legal Action: The jeweler has been charged under Sections 318 (Cheating) and 336 (Forgery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police are now investigating if these coins were manufactured locally or sourced from a larger syndicate operating across the Haryana-Rajasthan border.
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Market Response: The Rewari Jewellers’ Association has distanced itself from the accused, condemning the act. They have urged customers to always demand a GST invoice and verify the HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number on the BIS Care app before purchasing.
Consumer Safety Tip: The administration has advised citizens to be wary of gold sold significantly below the current market rate. Genuine gold coins should have a clear BIS Hallmark and a 6-digit alphanumeric HUID code engraved on them.
