A GOLD-PURITY testing controversy at Malabar Gold & Diamonds in Bilaspur has escalated into a criminal investigation after Tarbahar Police registered an FIR over allegations that a 22-carat HUID-marked gold bracelet was repeatedly shown as 20 carat before subsequently testing as 916, corresponding to 22-carat purity. FIR No. 0283/2026, registered at 6.27 pm on August 15 under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, identifies the Malabar showroom manager, caratometer operator and other employees as accused. The case follows a written complaint by Sagar Keshari of SK Jewellers, Bilaspur. According to the FIR narration, customer Parvinder Singh had taken a 22-carat HUIDmarked gold bracelet purchased from SK Jewellers to Malabar for exchange on August 14. Keshari alleged that showroom employees tested the ornament and described it as 20 carat, besides allegedly telling the customer that it did not have HUID. After being informed, Keshari examined the ornament, found the HUID marking and accompanied the customer to Malabar. Initially presenting himself as an ordinary customer, he alleged that the ornament was tested two to three times and continued to show 20 carat.

 

The complaint further alleges that Malabar personnel told him they did not accept purity merely on the basis of HUID or hallmark and relied upon their machine test. Keshari alleged that after revealing his identity as a jeweller and explaining that his father had sold the ornament as 22-carat HUID gold, another employee performed a process or setting on the machine. A subsequent test allegedly showed the same gold bracelet as 916, or 22 carat, with HUID. The FIR-recorded complaint seeks scrutiny of both test readings, the machine’s technical condition and testing procedure, August 14 CCTV footage and whether similar instances affected other customers. The controversy prompted Chhattisgarh Sarafa Association State President Kamal Soni to lead a protest inside the showroom. Soni demanded an independent investigation, alleging that inconsistent testing could financially harm consumers and damage traditional jewellers’ credibility. According to the association, police seized the relevant testing machine and DPR-related records. Investigation is underway, and the allegations remain subject to technical verification. No finding of guilt has been recorded against the accused showroom personnel.