Jammu law enforcement has struck a blow against organized crime by filing charges against six suspects in a multi-crore gemstone swindle. Among them is a serving sub-inspector, exposing vulnerabilities within the force itself.
The elaborate con tricked a Hyderabad entrepreneur into parting with Rs 3 crore for bogus Kashmir Blue Sapphires. Mastermind Mohammad Taj Khan masqueraded as the envoy of Jammu’s royalty, with his team of agents sealing the deceptive deal.
Unfolding in December 2024, the fraud came to light via a formal complaint from the aggrieved buyer. Under the vigilant oversight of senior officers, investigators conducted thorough searches, seizing phony jewels and falsified papers from the homes of Mohammad Taj Khan, Mohammad Shafi, and the sub-inspector.
In a commendable action, Rs 62 lakh was retrieved and handed back to the victim. Intelligence also uncovered property purchases funded by the illicit gains, prompting attachment proceedings in court.
The accused roster features residents from Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Samba, and Srinagar: Mohammad Riyaz, Mohammad Taj Khan, Shaukat Hussain, Mohammad Shafi, Kulwinder Singh, and SI Mohammad Maqbool Dugga. This development not only nets the culprits but also signals zero tolerance for scams exploiting cultural treasures like sapphires.
As the case progresses, it highlights the critical role of prompt reporting and robust policing in safeguarding citizens from predatory schemes.