Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jul 2: A group of women from Sada in Goa on Wednesday evening tracked down a jeweller they accused of cheating them of gold ornaments worth several lakhs under the guise of a low-interest gold loan scheme and handed him over to Vasco Police Station.

The women alleged that jeweller Bhimappa Chalvadi collected their gold ornaments after promising loans at an interest rate of just 0.65 per cent. They claimed that despite repaying the loans in full, he failed to return their pledged jewellery.

According to the complainants, two FIRs had already been registered against the jeweller at Mormugao Police Station. However, they alleged that no effective action had been taken and that they had been informed the accused was absconding.

Frustrated by the alleged lack of progress in the investigation, the women said they traced Chalvadi themselves and brought him to Vasco Police Station, demanding immediate police action and recovery of their gold ornaments.

The victims further alleged that the jeweller claimed he had "police in his pocket" and operated an unauthorised banking-style business by offering low-interest loans against gold.

They also accused him of acquiring expensive properties while allegedly failing to return the pledged jewellery to customers.

Police have not yet issued an official statement on the allegations or confirmed further action in the case.