Auraiya Police in Uttar Pradesh arrested a gang of five people, including three women and two men, for defrauding people by selling fake gold. The group used stories of hidden underground treasure to trap innocent individuals into paying large sums of money. During the operation on March 28, 2026, police recovered nearly 4 kilograms of fake yellow metal and cash from their possession. The gang members belong to Haryana and various parts of Uttar Pradesh.
How the Gang Operated and the Modus Operandi
The gang focused on crowded areas like fairs and villages to find potential victims. They would first show a small piece of genuine gold to build trust and then convince the victim that they had discovered a massive treasure buried underground. Once the victim was convinced, they would sell fake gold chains or bars for lakhs of rupees. One victim, Jitendra Kumar from Mangalpur, reported losing 7 lakh rupees after being sold fake gold chains. The police formed three special teams to track down the suspects after receiving his complaint in January.
Details of Recovered Items and Police Action
A joint team consisting of Auraiya Police, SOG, and the Surveillance team conducted a raid near Azmatpur Road on March 27 following a tip-off. Under the direction of SP Abhishek Bharti, the police successfully caught the group near the Brahamdev temple. The authorities are now checking the previous criminal records of the arrested individuals to see how many others they have cheated.
| Recovered Item | Quantity or Value |
|---|---|
| Fake Gold Metal | 4 Kilograms |
| Cash Recovered | 24,500 Rupees |
| Mobile Phones | 3 Units |
| Total Arrests | 5 Persons (3 Women, 2 Men) |
Police officials stated that this action serves as a warning to the public not to fall for schemes promising cheap gold or hidden treasures. These gangs specifically target people looking to make quick money. The investigation is still ongoing to find more links to this network across the state.
