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Shweta Gowda has been arrested for defrauding a gold jeweller of Rs 8 crore in a scheme involving the pawning and melting of gold jewellery. Gowda, who claimed to be an associate of former MLA Varthur Prakash, allegedly used her charm and persuasion to target gold jewellers across the region.
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The scheme dates back to 2022 when Gowda collaborated with Chinnaram, a jeweller who reportedly trained her in fraudulent tactics. She amassed jewellery worth crores from unsuspecting victims, which she handed over to Chinnaram. The duo melted the jewellery into gold biscuits and split the proceeds equally.
Gowda is accused of committing multiple fraudulent activities, including cheating designer Pankaj Soni. Known for her extravagant lifestyle, she stayed in luxurious hotels, traveled exclusively by flight, and targeted affluent individuals. She allegedly gifted a shirt worth Rs 50,000 to Nithin, the son of Varthur Prakash, further fueling suspicions of her high-profile connections.
Authorities believe more individuals may have been involved in the scam, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of her criminal activities. The arrest has shed light on a network of deceit that exploited hard-earned gold possessions, with officials expecting further revelations in the case.
Gowda’s actions highlight the need for vigilance in gold transactions and stricter scrutiny in the industry.