Gadag: In a major breakthrough, Gadag district police have arrested an alleged conman, identified as Hazrat Maulvi, from Kashipur in Uttarakhand for duping people by promising to help them unearth hidden treasure. Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadeesh confirmed that the accused was traced and brought to Karnataka after an intensive investigation.
The arrest follows a complaint filed on February 12 at the Gadag Rural Police Station by Basheera Banu of Dharwad, who alleged that Hazrat Maulvi had cheated her of Rs 22 lakh in phases by luring her with claims of locating buried gold and ancestral treasure.
Case Background
Basheera Banu had initially filed a complaint in September 2022, accusing the accused of fraud. However, due to lack of substantial evidence at the time, the case did not progress. Nearly four years later, she approached a social activist in Gadag and renewed her complaint, claiming that what was portrayed as a treasure discovery actually belonged to the government and demanded a thorough probe.
She also submitted a video showing a pot allegedly containing gold coins as evidence. Acting on the fresh complaint, the police reopened the case and launched a detailed investigation, eventually tracing the accused to Uttarakhand.
The ‘Treasure’ Plot
Police investigations revealed an elaborate conspiracy. Nearly a decade ago, Hazrat Maulvi and Basheera Banu had become acquainted through a matrimonial website. Over time, he allegedly convinced her that he possessed knowledge of allopathy, occult practices, and treasure detection techniques.
The accused reportedly built a chain of contacts through acquaintances in Dharwad and Gadag districts, eventually reaching farmers in Lakkundi village. In September 2022, he visited Lakkundi and identified a plot of land by scattering black pepper and ritual items, claiming treasure lay buried there. He promised to return after a month.
In preparation, he allegedly purchased 80 chocolate coins for Rs 80 from a local shop and buried them in a pot filled with mud at the site. He later bought an old metal pot for Rs 6,800 from a steel shop in Gadag city and staged a dramatic “excavation.” When the pot was dug up, gold-colored chocolate coins wrapped in foil were found inside. The entire event was recorded on video by an associate to make the discovery appear genuine.
He then demanded ₹20 lakh from the landowners, claiming the treasure belonged to their ancestors. When they failed to arrange the amount, he reportedly kicked the pot and declared the “gold” had turned into mud, before fleeing.
Multiple Victims Across States
Police said Hazrat Maulvi used similar tactics elsewhere. He allegedly cheated a man in Gudalur, Tamil Nadu, by promising to cure his son’s illness for ₹1 lakh. He is also accused of defrauding a woman in Noida, Delhi, and others who fell prey to his claims of mystical abilities and treasure hunting expertise.
Investigators believe at least eight individuals were duped using variations of the same scheme. Authorities described the accused as highly manipulative, exploiting people’s desperation and belief in hidden wealth.
Further investigation is underway to determine the total amount siphoned and identify additional victims. Police have urged the public to remain cautious against such fraudulent schemes promising miraculous discoveries or cures.
