Jabalpur: In a major crackdown, the Crime Branch in Jabalpur has exposed a well-planned fraud targeting doctors with the lure of “buried gold,” leading to losses of around Rs 1.55 crore. Four members of a family, traced to Jhansi and linked to operations in Faridabad, have been arrested in connection with the case.
How the ‘Buried Gold’ Scam Operated
According to investigators, the accused initially approached doctors under the pretext of seeking medical treatment. They later posed as labourers claiming to have discovered hidden gold during excavation but said they were unable to sell it legally.
To gain trust, the gang first provided 4–5 genuine gold coins, which were verified by the victims. Once confidence was established, they offered gold at an attractive rate of Rs 12 lakh per kilogram, convincing doctors to invest large sums.
Victims Lured, Fake Gold Supplied
After receiving cash payments, the fraudsters delivered counterfeit gold coins and biscuits before disappearing. The scam came to light only after victims verified the gold and found it to be fake.
Three major complaints were registered:
- April 1, 2026: A doctor paid Rs 9 lakh for 7 kg of gold after being shown real samples, later discovering the rest was fake.
- April 3, 2026: Another doctor lost Rs 50 lakh in a 5 kg deal involving the accused’s family members.
- April 4, 2026: A third victim was cheated of Rs 1 crore in a 12 kg gold transaction using the same tactic.
Police Action and Recovery
Following complaints, Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay formed a special team led by Additional SP Jitendra Singh. Using technical surveillance, the team tracked the suspects to Jhansi and carried out arrests.
During interrogation, the accused revealed they had hidden cash in a rented house in the Panagar area of Jabalpur. Police recovered:
- Rs 1.55 crore in cash
- 84 grams of real gold
- Around 20 kg of fake gold coins
- 11 mobile phones
Wider Network Under Probe
Police sources said the accused procured fake gold from Delhi and may have targeted multiple victims using the same method. Further investigation is underway to identify other victims and uncover the full extent of the network.
Police Advisory: Beware of Easy Profits
SP Sampat Upadhyay warned the public against falling for such scams, stating that greed often makes people vulnerable. He highlighted that fraudsters frequently use stories of buried treasure and fear of government seizure to manipulate victims.
Authorities have urged citizens, especially professionals handling large financial transactions, to remain cautious and verify claims thoroughly before making any deals.
