Police Arrest Three as Counterfeit Gold Racket Busted in Assam

Guwahati: Gauripur Police arrested three individuals and seized 2.15 kilograms of suspected counterfeit gold following a raid in the Khudimari area of Assam's Dhubri district. The operation, led by Officer-in-Charge Bibuthi Thapa and SI Bhargav Das, targeted a residence in Khudimari Part-II after authorities received intelligence regarding the transport of fake bullion from Lakhimpur.

Officers discovered two pieces of fake gold at the home of suspect Johirul Islam, one featuring a cross symbol and another shaped like a boat. The search also uncovered chemical supplies, including a bottle of acid and soapnuts used to treat the metal to mimic the appearance of genuine gold. Police officials noted that the prompt response stopped the group from defrauding locals, stating, "The timely operation prevented several people from becoming victims of the alleged fraud."

The arrested men are 30-year-old Mahar Uddin, 45-year-old Faisal Hoque, and 44-year-old Johirul Islam. Investigators believe Islam acted as a local contact for Uddin, who is suspected of supplying the counterfeit items. The group allegedly intended to sell the fakes at rates below market value to trick unsuspecting buyers. A formal case is now open, and detectives are expanding the investigation to determine if the suspects have ties to broader interstate criminal networks or other fraudulent activities across the state.