Hyderabad Gang Cheats 11 People of Rs 1 Crore in ‘Hidden Treasure’ Scam

Core News & Key Facts

A Hyderabad-based gang allegedly used the lure of ‘Gupta Nidhulu’ or hidden treasure to cheat 11 people of nearly Rs 1 crore. The accused reportedly convinced homeowners that they had special knowledge to identify treasure buried beneath residential properties and persuaded them to allow digging on their premises.

After digging pits, the accused allegedly placed sacks containing coal and duplicate gold-coated coins inside them. They then told the victims that the coal needed time to transform into gold and collected money before leaving. Police said the scheme was devised by Mohd Munawar, 36, who allegedly recruited his associates to make easy money.

Police Action and Seizures

The Commissioner’s Task Force (Shamshabad zone), working with Rajendranagar police, arrested four people in connection with the alleged fraud. The accused were identified as Mohd Munawar, Syed Ali Ashraf, Mohd Haji and Mohd Salman.

Police seized two cars, an autorickshaw, two motorcycles, four mobile phones, 25 fake gold coins, 6 kg of coal, 4 kg of soil and pooja material. A case was registered at the Rajendranagar police station under Sections 318(4), 351(2) and 61(2) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Investigation Under Way

According to police, the gang specifically targeted people by creating confidence around the existence of hidden treasure beneath their properties. The investigation is continuing to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify whether more people were involved.

Police are examining the seized material and other evidence as part of the investigation. The case highlights how claims about hidden treasure can be used to deceive people into handing over large sums of money.

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