District-level vigilance committee to streamline probe into stolen jewellery cases

Belagavi: In a significant move aimed at protecting genuine jewellery traders from undue harassment during investigations involving stolen gold and silver ornaments, the district administration has constituted a district-level vigilance committee. Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan issued an order in this regard, with immediate effect.The committee has been formed following representations made by the Daivajnya Jewellers Association and All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, which had sought a mechanism to ensure better coordination between law enforcement agencies and the jewellery trade. Under the new arrangement, the DC will serve as the committee's chairman, while city police commissioner and the SP will function as co-chairpersons. The committee will also include officials from cybercrime department, representatives of jewellers' associations from various taluks, and representatives of state and national-level jewellery bodies.The primary objective of the committee is to strengthen coordination between the police and jewellery professionals, prevent the circulation and sale of stolen ornaments, facilitate lawful investigation procedures, and safeguard honest traders from unnecessary inconvenience. According to the order, the committee will prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering investigation,seizure, inquiry, dispute resolution, and the handling of suspicious jewellery transactions during its first meeting. Jewellery traders have also been directed to maintain proper records, customer identification details, bills, and other relevant documents.The committee will convene once every three months and undertake special initiatives to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and jewellers' associations across the district. DC Mohammad Roshan said that instances have been reported where innocent goldsmiths and jewellers face action in cases involving the purchase of stolen gold."It is essential to thoroughly verify the facts before initiating action and to ensure that decisions are taken based on proper investigation. The newly formed committee will help create a fair and coordinated mechanism for handling such cases," he said.