Mumbai: A major case of gold fraud has been registered at the Lokmanya Tilak Marg Police Station, where a goldsmith allegedly cheated a businessman of over ₹2.66 crore worth of gold entrusted to him for crafting jewellery.
Gold Handed Over for Jewellery Making
The complainant, Abhishek Ashokkumar Jain (39), a jeweller by profession and a resident of Sion Trombay Road, Chembur, stated that he had handed over a total of 2,510.900 grams of 24-carat gold to a gold artisan named Manas Mohan Mandal between April 23 and May 30, 2025. The gold was given to Mandal, who operated from an office named 'MM Jewels' located on Old Satta Galli, Sheikh Menon Road.
Additional Gold Already in Accused's Possession
Jain also claimed that as of March 2025, an additional 178.100 grams of gold including remnants like gold wire, powder, hooks, and beads from previous assignments were already in Mandal’s possession. In total, Mandal allegedly held 2,689 grams of 24-carat gold, valued at ₹2.66 crore.
No Delivery or Return, Accused Goes Missing
However, instead of returning the crafted jewellery or the gold, Mandal allegedly misappropriated the entire quantity. Following this betrayal of trust, Jain approached the Lokmanya Tilak Marg Police Station and lodged a formal complaint.
Police Register Case, Begin Investigation
A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to trace Mandal, who is currently absconding. Police are probing whether the accused sold or diverted the gold and whether any accomplices were involved.
