Anantnag Police have detained a habitual offender from Bijbehara under the Public Safety Act for repeatedly engaging in the sale of counterfeit gold.
The accused, with multiple FIRs registered against him over the years, has been shifted to Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu after verification reports confirmed that all seized gold items were fake.
In a statement issued to news agency, Anantnag Police said they have detained a habitual offender, Showkat Ahmad Zargar, son of Noor Mohammad Zargar, resident of New Colony, Bijbehara (presently residing at Shamsipora, District Anantnag), for his repeated involvement in selling counterfeit gold. The detention was carried out under the provisions of the Public Safety Act (PSA).
According to police, multiple complaints had been received against Zargar over the years regarding the fraudulent sale of fake gold items.
On January 11, 2023, a written complaint was lodged by Shabir Ahmad Wani of Alachibagh, Srinagar, alleging that the accused sold him counterfeit gold. A case under FIR No. 06/2023 U/S 420, 506 IPC was registered.
On October 17, 2024, another complaint was received from Irshad Ahmad Ganie of Nanir, Tral, leading to the registration of FIR No. 223/2024 U/S 318(3), 318(4) BNS.
On July 23 and 24, 2025, two more complaints were filed by Nageena Akhter of Jablipora and Zamrooda of Mattan, resulting in FIR Nos. 149 & 150 of 2025 U/S 420, 506 RPC.
During the investigation, the gold items produced by the complainants were seized and sent to the Hallmarking Centre in Srinagar for purity verification. Reports confirmed that all seized items were fake.
Police said the investigation established that Zargar is a habitual cheat who has been deceiving people through fraudulent means, posing a serious threat to public trust and safety in Jammu & Kashmir.
In view of his continued criminal activities and the danger posed to society, he was detained under the Public Safety Act to prevent further offences and shifted to Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu.
Anantnag Police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and urged the public to remain vigilant against such frauds. (Agencies)
