The city police have launched an intensive search for a local trader who allegedly disappeared after collecting gold ornaments worth approximately ₹1.39 crore from several jewellery establishments in the city’s Kammath Lane area for sale on a commission basis.

The accused, identified as Safarnas, a resident of Parambil Bazaar, is alleged to have collected more than 118 sovereigns of gold ornaments from multiple jewellers on July 27. According to the complaint submitted to the Kozhikode Town police, the ornaments are valued at ₹1,39,35,747.

Police sources said Safarnas, who had been engaged in selling gold ornaments on behalf of various jewellery shops for a commission, failed to return with either the jewellery or the sale proceeds after collecting the gold consignments. His mobile phone was found switched off since the incident came to light, they said.

The suspected incident of cheating came to light after the affected jewellers, unable to contact him, made inquiries among themselves and subsequently approached the police. A case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by K.M. Rajeevan, proprietor of one of the cheated gold firms.

Investigation team members said the accused had been operating from a jewellery shop reportedly taken on rent from an expatriate. He had earned the trust of many following several years of service in the field. Teams have been deployed to trace him, and further investigation is under way under the supervision of Town Inspector S.K. Priyan.

Police sources said investigators are also examining whether the case has any links to a series of recent incidents in which counterfeit gold ornaments were allegedly pledged at various banks in Kozhikode city and neighbouring rural areas. Some of the suspects, already arrested in connection with similar cases, will also be quizzed in the wake of the recent incident, they said.

Published - July 31, 2026 12:35 pm IST