Fri Mar 28 15:14:52 UTC 2025: ## Four Arrested in Kerala for ₹68 Lakh Gold Dust Scam
**KOCHI, March 28, 2025** – Four men from Surat, Gujarat, have been arrested in Kochi, Kerala, for allegedly defrauding goldsmiths of ₹68 lakh (approximately $820,000 USD) in a gold dust scam. Sandeep Hasmukh Bhai (37), Vipul Manji Bhai (43), Dharmesh Bhai (38), and Kripesh Bhai (35) are accused of luring goldsmiths in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, with the promise of sand containing gold dust.
The accused reportedly convinced the victims to purchase several tons of sand, claiming it was collected from a jewelry outlet. Using a deceptive technique involving a hidden gold solution injected into a sample, they inflated the apparent gold content. The victims paid ₹50 lakh in cash and an additional ₹18 lakh via cheque, only to become suspicious when they extracted more gold than expected.
Police investigation, aided by CCTV footage, led to the arrests. Further investigations are underway into similar complaints against the accused in Tamil Nadu and Ernakulam. The four men have been remanded in custody after appearing in court.
First Piper 