An Ahmedabad-based jeweller has filed a complaint at Khadia police station, alleging that a business associate defrauded him of gold worth ₹7.04 crore over one-and-a-half years.

The complaint was lodged by Brijeshbhai Jitendrabhai Adesara, a gold and silver trader operating from Uttam Chambers, Manek Chowk. The accused, identified as Dewangbhai Thakorbhai Soni, took possession of approximately 13 kilograms of gold under the pretext of business transactions, but failed to return the amount or the equivalent gold.

Gradual transactions over 15 years

The complainant stated that he had known Soni for nearly 15 years and had conducted business with him on multiple occasions without formal receipts due to mutual trust. Soni, who owns Harikrupa Khulian, a jewellery shop in Navrangpura, reportedly requested gold from Adesara multiple times, promising repayment within a month.

Alleged fraudulent transactions

- December 25, 2023 – Soni allegedly took one kilogram of gold worth ₹70 lakh from Adesara’s shop.

- January 2024 – He further acquired two kilograms of gold worth ₹1.54 crore.

- Past transactions – Over the last 18 months, he had also taken an additional 10 kilograms of gold, amounting to ₹5.8 crore.

- Total fraud amount – ₹7.04 crore, including gold and pending payments.

Adesara claimed that despite repeated reminders, Soni failed to return the money or the gold, citing financial difficulties and making excuses. Following the complaint, Khadia police have registered a case under sections related to cheating and criminal breach of trust.