Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Bengaluru Goldsmith Says He Was Cheated in Divine Gold Scam
A goldsmith in Bengaluru says a man tricked him into paying a lot of money.
The man allegedly said he had gold that came through divine blessings.
He also said buying it would bring good luck and help the goldsmith’s business.
The goldsmith says he trusted him after a sample was checked and found to be real.
He allegedly paid Rs 1.3 crore over about two-and-a-half years.
To get the money, he reportedly sold land and family jewellery.
The man later said he had to go home because his father was sick and did not return.
Police have registered a case and are trying to find him.
A Bengaluru goldsmith alleges he lost Rs 1.3 crore to a man claiming to have gold obtained through divine blessings.
The accused, identified as Bhutham Lingayya, allegedly collected the money from Selvaraj Achari over about two-and-a-half years.
Lingayya reportedly offered health remedies to Achari’s family before claiming that buying the gold would bring prosperity and business growth.
After a sample was reportedly verified as genuine, Achari paid in instalments and sold land and family jewellery to raise the money.
City Market police have registered a case and are investigating; the accused allegedly left town and switched off his phone.
- Who
- Goldsmith Selvaraj Achari alleges that Bhutham Lingayya cheated him.
- What
- Achari says he paid Rs 1.3 crore for gold Lingayya claimed would bring prosperity.
- When
- The alleged payments took place over approximately two-and-a-half years; the complaint date is not stated.
- Where
- Bengaluru, India.
- Why
- Lingayya allegedly said buying the gold would improve Achari’s finances and help his business flourish.
- Amount alleged
- Rs 1.3 crore
- Complainant
- Selvaraj Achari, a goldsmith
- Accused
- Bhutham Lingayya, identified as a native of Telangana
- Alleged payment period
- About two-and-a-half years
- Gold claimed by accused
- Five kilograms
- Police action
- City Market police registered a case and are attempting to trace the accused