The investigation into the alleged pledged gold fraud by Soundar Raj alias ‘Chinnathambi’ has intensified, with the Mysuru city police asking the public to contact the City Crime Branch (CCB) with necessary documents.

After receiving complaints about the alleged fraud from the public, the city police booked Raj, who allegedly attracted customers with gold pledged in various financial institutions by offering to purchase the gold ornaments at higher prices and providing loans at a lower interest than market rates.

The accused not only failed to pay the fixed value for the gold, but also melted the gold ornaments and misused them, thereby cheating the customers, it is alleged.

A case has been registered against the accused at Kuvempunagar Police Station under Sections 316(2), 318(4), 351(3) and 3(5) of the BNS. Subsequently, Section 9 of the KPID has also been invoked in the said case, and the investigation is continuing, said a statement from the office of the Mysuru City Police Commissioners.

“Therefore, members of the public who have been cheated after pledging gold with Soundar Raj alias Chinnathambi in connection with this case are requested to meet the Assistant Commissioner of Police, CCB Unit, Mysuru City, at the CCB office, along with the necessary documents available with them, for further legal action,” the statement issued by the city police said.