Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 31; : Jammu has been rocked by a sensational scandal as six individuals including a serving Sub-Inspector of the Jammu and Kashmir Police stand charge-sheeted in a high-profile gemstone fraud that reads like a crime thriller.
At the heart of the conspiracy lies the legendary Kashmir blue sapphire, famed worldwide and sourced from Kishtwar’s Padder Valley, now tainted by a racket that sought to pass off worthless stones as royal treasure.
Investigators allege that Mohammed Taj Khan masterminded the scheme, brazenly posing as the “Raja of Jammu” and weaving a tale of sapphires linked to a royal hoard.
His accomplices played the role of trusted agents, luring Hyderabad businessman Mir Firasath Ali Khan into parting with a staggering Rs 3 crore for what turned out to be fake gems.
The elaborate charade collapsed when police swooped in, seizing counterfeit stones, forged documents, and uncovering properti Six individuals—including a serving Sub-Inspector of the J&K Police—stand charge-sheeted in a high-profile gemstone fraud.
At the heart of the conspiracy lies the legendary Kashmir blue sapphire, famed worldwide and sourced from Kishtwar’s Padder Valley.
Investigators allege that Mohammed Taj Khan masterminded the scheme, brazenly posing as the “Raja of Jammu” and weaving a tale of sapphires linked to a royal hoard.
His accomplices played the role of trusted agents, luring Hyderabad businessman Mir Firasath Ali Khan into parting with a staggering Rs 3 crore for what turned out to be fake gems.
The probe, led by SDPO City West Jammu Dr. Satish Bhardwaj under SP South Jammu Ajay Sharma, exposed the depth of the conspiracy and traced assets linked to the fraud.
In a rare move signaling a victim-centric approach, authorities have filed for attachment of properties acquired through the scam under Section 107 BNSS. While police managed to recover and return ₹62 lakh to the duped businessman, the charge sheet now names Mohammed Rayaz, Mohammed Taj Khan, Showkat Hussain, Mohammed Shafi, Kulwinder Singh, and Sub-Inspector Mohammed Maqbool Dugga as accused in the case.
What began as a glittering promise of rare sapphires has ended in disgrace, with law enforcement unmasking a criminal network that dared to exploit one of Jammu’s most prized natural treasures. The courtroom battle ahead is expected to keep the spotlight firmly fixed on this extraordinary saga of greed, deception, and betrayal. | 