GUWAHATI: Guwahati police recently arrested a man posing as a proclaimed Baba for allegedly cheating a woman and stealing her gold ornaments in the Panjabari area. The accused, identified as Jugi Manta, also known as Lalu Manta (37), was apprehended by Satgaon Police with assistance from Golaghat Police after a detailed investigation.
ALSO READ: Two Arrested For Guwahati Mobile Shop Burglary, 29 Stolen Phones Recovered
According to reports, the victim, Puspa Das, had lodged an FIR on October 23, 2024, stating that Manta had visited her house in Panjabari’s Kailashnagar under the pretext of performing a good omen puja. On October 19, 2024, he allegedly took advantage of the situation and fled with her gold ornaments.
Following the complaint, police traced the accused through call detail records (CDR) and arrested him. Upon interrogation, Manta led the police to his house in Lanka, where they recovered gold ornaments, including rings, bangles, chains, and earrings. Additionally, cash amounting to ₹50,000, a steel tiffin box, and a pouch was also recovered from his possession.
Further investigations revealed that some of the stolen jewellery had been sold to a local jeweller, identified as Gaurpada Devnath, owner of a jewellery shop in Krishna Nagar. A raid at the shop led to the recovery of additional stolen items, including gold bangles, rings, earrings, and ear chains, and cash worth ₹60,500.
Both Manta and Devnath were taken into custody and produced before the court. The primary accused was placed under police remand for two days, after which both individuals were remanded to judicial custody.
Authorities are currently investigating the case to determine whether more individuals were involved in the fraudulent activities.
