Police Track Kozhikode Gold Trader Following ₹1.39 Crore Disappearance
Authorities in Kerala have launched a manhunt for a local middleman accused of vanishing with 118 sovereigns of gold ornaments. The suspect, identified as Safarnas, allegedly failed to return sale proceeds or stock to multiple jewelry firms in Kammath Lane.
Key takeaways
- A trader named Safarnas is accused of disappearing with gold worth ₹1.39 crore from Kozhikode's Kammath Lane area.
- The suspect allegedly leveraged years of industry trust to collect 118 sovereigns of gold on a commission basis before fleeing.
- Kozhikode Town police are investigating if this case links to recent counterfeit gold scams at local and rural banks.
The Alleged Breach of Trust
Law enforcement officials in Kozhikode are currently searching for Safarnas, a Parambil Bazaar resident accused of absconding with substantial jewelry inventory. Operating on a commission basis, Safarnas reportedly collected ornaments from various establishments in the Kammath Lane district on July 27 but failed to account for the assets. The missing items carry a calculated market value of ₹1,39,35,747.
Investigation Details
The Kozhikode Town police initiated legal proceedings after K.M. Rajeevan, a local jewelry firm proprietor, filed a formal complaint. Investigators reveal that Safarnas utilized a rented shop—previously owned by an expatriate—to conduct his business. Having spent years in the local trade, the suspect had established a level of professional credibility that allowed him to secure high-value consignments from multiple vendors.
Key Facts
- The total weight of the missing assets exceeds 118 sovereigns of gold ornaments.
- The incident was reported to the authorities on July 31, 2026, after the suspect’s mobile phone was deactivated.
- Town Inspector S.K. Priyan is currently supervising the specialized teams deployed to locate the trader.
- Police are investigating potential connections between this disappearance and recent cases involving counterfeit gold pledges at regional banks.
What Happens Next
Detectives plan to interrogate several individuals currently in custody for separate gold-related fraud cases to determine if a larger network is involved. The search remains concentrated on Kozhikode and surrounding rural areas as officers examine the suspect's previous transactions and professional associations.
Source: The Hindu — National
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