Anantnag, Aug 9,: Police in Anantnag have booked a man under the Public Safety Act for repeatedly cheating people by selling counterfeit gold.
The accused, identified as Showkat Ahmad Zargar son of Noor Mohammad Zargar, a resident of New Colony Bijbehara, presently living in Shamsipora, was detained after several complaints were lodged against him over the years. Police said he was a habitual cheat who posed a serious threat to public trust.
The first complaint on record was filed on 11 January 2023 by Shabir Ahmad Wani of Alachibagh Srinagar, who alleged that the accused sold him fake gold. A case was registered at Police Station Bijbehara. Another case was filed on 17 October 2024 by Irshad Ahmad Ganie of Nanir Tral, followed by two more complaints on 23 and 24 July this year from residents of Jablipora and Mattan.
The seized items were sent to the Hallmarking Centre in Srinagar, where tests confirmed they were fake. Police said the man was involved in repeated fraudulent sales despite ongoing investigations against him.
In view of his continued criminal activity and the risk he posed to the community, police invoked the Public Safety Act against Zargar and lodged him in Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu. Authorities urged the public to remain alert and report any such fraudulent activity. [KNT]
