Gujarat jewellers held for ₹10.67 crore investment fraud in Dholka
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two jewellery business operators from the Dholka area of Gujarat have been arrested by the Ahmedabad Rural Local Crime Branch in connection with an alleged investment fraud in which approximately 40 local residents were reportedly cheated of more than ₹10.67 crore after being promised high returns on investments in silver and gold. The arrests were made on 31 July, according to officials.
Who Was Arrested
The accused have been identified as Ghanshyam Soni and Yash Soni, both residents of Rukshmani Park Society, near Gayatri Mandir in Kalikund of Dholka taluka. The duo allegedly operated Hari Jewellers, a showroom through which they solicited investments from locals by claiming that the gold and silver jewellery trade generated substantial profits and that precious metal investments would yield attractive returns.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
According to police, the accused collected deposits totalling approximately ₹10,67,57,176 from around 40 local people but subsequently failed to return the money. Investigators allege that after accumulating the funds, Ghanshyam Soni and Yash Soni shut down the Hari Jewellers showroom, abandoned their shop and residence, and absconded. A case was registered at Dholka Town Police Station under Sections 316(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 3 of the Gujarat Protection of Interest of Depositors (In Financial Establishments) Act, 2003.
Court Remand and Investigation Focus
Following their arrest, the accused were produced before the Special GPID Court, which granted police a five-day remand to continue the investigation. Officials stated that the probe will concentrate on recovering the allegedly defrauded funds so that affected investors may receive their money back. Investigators are also examining whether the accused acquired any movable or immovable assets using the alleged proceeds of the fraud.
Broader Probe Under Way
The Ahmedabad Rural Local Crime Branch said authorities are also looking into whether any other individuals assisted the duo in carrying out the alleged offence. The investigation will focus on recovering the defrauded funds so that investors may receive their money back,
officials said. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe. This case follows a pattern of investment fraud schemes targeting small depositors in semi-urban Gujarat, where promises of high returns on commodity-linked investments have repeatedly drawn in local residents. Authorities have indicated that asset-tracing will be a key component of the next phase of the investigation.