PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 6: A gang posing as police personnel allegedly duped an elderly woman of gold jewellery worth nearly Rs 2 lakh in Jamshedpur’s Bistupur area on Saturday, in the latest case of conmen targeting unsuspecting residents.
The victim, Prakash Kaur, a resident of M Road, was returning home on foot after offering prayers at a gurdwara when she was approached by two unidentified youths near N Road.
According to police, one of the youths, who was sitting on a motorcycle, directed her to another man standing nearby. The second man allegedly introduced himself as a police officer and warned her that wearing jewellery in public was unsafe following a recent murder in the locality.
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Trusting the man’s advice, Kaur removed her gold chain, ring and bangles and handed them over. The accused then pretended to wrap the ornaments in a piece of paper and returned the packet to her.
It was only after reaching home that she discovered the jewellery had been replaced with an ordinary bangle. Realising she had been cheated, Kaur immediately informed the police.
CCTV Footage Under Scanner
Bistupur police reached the spot and launched an investigation. Officers are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify and trace the accused.
Similar Frauds Raise Concern
The incident is the latest in a series of fraud cases reported across Jamshedpur. In recent weeks, conmen posing as police personnel and religious figures have allegedly targeted residents in different parts of the city.
The recurring incidents have raised concerns over the growing menace and the lack of arrests in such cases so far. Police have assured swift action and said efforts are underway to apprehend those involved.