Nagpur: In a startling development ahead of the festive season, Karnataka Police have uncovered a trail of stolen gold leading to Nagpur’s jewellery markets, exposing a network involved in fraudulent pawning of stolen ornaments. The revelation emerged following the arrest of a self-proclaimed godman, Dada Peer (49), from Bengaluru, accused of duping people under the guise of performing rituals to “remove black magic” and “unearth hidden treasures.”

During interrogation, Peer reportedly admitted to stealing gold ornaments from victims during his deceptive rituals and later pawning them at various jewellery outlets in Nagpur’s Sarafa and Itwari markets. According to sources, the accused frequently travelled between Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Nagpur, and is believed to have pawned nearly 500 grams of stolen gold, valued in several lakhs, in the city over recent months.

The case surfaces shortly after the Rs 3-crore gold seizure by Nagpur GRP from a train, in which several local jewellers had come under scrutiny. The two incidents have now cast a spotlight on Nagpur’s growing role as a key hub for suspicious gold transactions and illegal gold movement across regions.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the city’s strategic location makes it a frequent link in gold-related operations.

“Multiple agencies, including Nagpur Police, GRP, Income Tax, and DRI, are working together to curb illegal gold movement. We urge all bullion traders to ensure verification of pledged gold’s ownership before accepting it,” Dr. Singal stated.

DCP (Zone 3) Rahul Madane, who oversees the Sarafa Market area, said police have registered several similar cases in which stolen ornaments were pawned using false information.

“Many claim they’ve misplaced purchase slips while pledging gold. Though most jewellers accept such pledges unknowingly, they usually cooperate with police once fraud is detected,” he explained.

Investigators are now verifying the list of shops where Peer allegedly pledged the stolen ornaments. Karnataka Police have already shared vital leads with Nagpur counterparts, and a joint probe is expected soon. Officials suspect that the accused could be part of a larger inter-state network of gold fraudsters operating across central India.

The revelation has triggered unease among Sarafa traders, with police issuing fresh advisories to conduct strict background checks and maintain transaction records, particularly during the ongoing festive season when gold trading activity peaks.