Guwahati, September 4, 2024 — In a decisive operation against the growing menace of counterfeit gold trade in Assam, the Barpeta district police have arrested three individuals involved in selling fake gold. The arrests were made during a targeted raid in Howly, following a tip-off about the illicit activity.
The raid, spearheaded by Howly Police Station in-charge Rajiv Neog, led to the capture of Rashidul Haque from Sonapur Reserve village in Lakhimpur, and Abdur Rahim and Hussain Ali from Phulki Para village in Howly. The trio was found in possession of a counterfeit gold boat, which they were attempting to sell to unsuspecting buyers.
The operation unfolded at the residence of Abdur Rahim in Phulki Para, where the police intercepted the suspects before they could finalize the fraudulent transaction. Rashidul Haque is believed to have transported the counterfeit item from Lakhimpur to Howly, aiming to profit from the deception.
Superintendent of Police, Barpeta, Sushanta Biswa Sarma, affirmed the department’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the networks behind such fraudulent activities. The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated, with authorities aiming to trace the broader operations of the fake gold trade in the region. SP Sarma indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation continues.
This crackdown is part of a broader initiative by Assam’s law enforcement to curb the proliferation of fake gold scams, which have been particularly prevalent in rural areas where victims are less likely to recognize counterfeit items. The authorities’ intensified efforts aim to protect the public from such deceitful schemes and ensure justice for the affected individuals.
Read More: Assam Shocker: Minor girl allegedly raped in Chirang, video shared on social media