Ahmedabad jeweller alleges ₹96 lakh gold biscuit fraud, two booked

The Ahmedabad City Police have registered a case of cheating after a jeweller alleged that two men defrauded him of a 750-gram gold biscuit worth ₹96.38 lakh under the pretext of purchasing it.

As per First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Satellite Police Station, Amit Ashokbhai Soni, 29, a resident of Isanpur, alleged that Parth Harendrabhai Dalwadi and Rakesh Hareshbhai Soni conspired to cheat him by posing as buyers.

Soni stated in his complaint that he and his father have been running a jewellery shop, Ashok Jewel, at Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad for nearly 35 years, manufacturing and selling gold and silver jewellery.

In October, Rakesh Soni whose shop is located near the complainant’s establishment—introduced Amit to Dalwadi, claiming that the latter was a wealthy businessman living in Satellite area who wanted to invest in gold and silver. Rakesh allegedly took Amit to Dalwadi’s residence near the ISRO campus in Satellite, where Dalwadi reportedly spoke about large contracts and expressed interest in purchasing gold.

On November 25, Dalwadi allegedly contacted Amit through a WhatsApp call from an international number and inquired about the prevailing gold price. After being informed that the price of 24-carat gold was around ₹1.28 lakh per 10 grams, Dalwadi allegedly placed an order for a 750-gram (75 tola) gold biscuit.

Later that day, Amit delivered the gold biscuit to Dalwadi at his residence. Dalwadi allegedly handed the gold biscuit to an associate and assured Amit of the payment—amounting to ₹96.38 lakh including delivery charges—through an angadia firm in Ratanpol.

Amit said he visited the angadia office expecting the payment, but was informed that no such transaction had been received in his name. When he contacted Dalwadi, the latter allegedly offered excuses and assured him that the payment would be arranged soon.

When Amit repeatedly followed up over the next few days, Dalwadi continued to delay the payment, claiming that the money was being arranged. Rakesh Soni also allegedly reassured Amit that Dalwadi would soon settle the amount. However, no payment was made.

Dalwadi subsequently stopped answering calls and became unreachable, while his phone was switched off. When Amit tried to trace him, he allegedly learnt that Dalwadi had been involved in similar cheating cases in the past.

Police officials said a case of cheating and criminal conspiracy has been registered against the two accused and an investigation has been initiated.