The women alleged that the jeweller, Bhimappa Chalvadi, had collected their gold ornaments after promising loans at a concessional interest rate of just 0.65 per cent, claiming he had introduced a banking-style loan system.
Trusting his assurances, several women pledged their jewellery and availed of loans. However, they alleged that even after repaying the loan amounts, the jeweller had failed to return their gold ornaments.
According to the victims, two separate FIRs have already been registered at the Mormugao police station against the accused. They alleged that despite the registration of the cases, no concrete action has been taken, with police informing them that the jeweller was absconding. Claiming they had lost faith after a long wait, the women said they decided to trace the accused themselves.
After locating him on Wednesday, the group allegedly intercepted the jeweller and took him to the Vasco police station, demanding immediate police intervention and recovery of their ornaments.
The women urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged fraud and ensure that all affected victims receive their gold back.
The victims further alleged that the jeweller repeatedly claimed he had “police in his pocket” and therefore no action would be taken against him. They said such statements left them feeling helpless and compelled them to take the initiative to locate him.
The women also alleged that while their ornaments continue to remain with the accused, he has acquired expensive properties, including two new bungalows. They claimed they have now realised that the promised low-interest loan scheme was allegedly used to gain people’s trust before withholding their jewellery.
Demanding swift action, the victims appealed to the police to recover the pledged gold ornaments, investigate the alleged financial fraud in detail, and take strict legal action against those responsible. They said several families have been left under severe financial stress as jewellery accumulated over many years remains unrecovered.
