Buying gold? Beware as unscrupulous traders cheating customers in Odisha

Gold has always been a preferred choice for several families in India when it comes to investment for future and meeting requirements, especially during special ceremonies like marriages. However, a lot of consumers in Odisha are being duped by several unscrupulous traders.

Such startling revelations were made by Food and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra in Odisha Assembly on Wednesday. While replying to a question asked by MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain, Patra informed that the department has found that 116 traders were involved in corrupt practices and cheating consumers in the last 5 months.

These 116 traders were found adopting irregularities practices in quality of gold and cheating consumers in weight following 3000 inspections conducted during the same period. Maximum cases of cheating have been detected in Cuttack, Ganjam and Khordha districts.

Cases have been registered against 116 traders as per Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and Orissa Legal Metrology (Enforcement) Rules, 2011, the Minister said adding that a fine of Rs 3,13,800 has been collected for such deviations.

Similarly, 495 traders were found to be adopting corrupt practices during around 8000 raids conducted across the state last year. A fine of Rs 15 lakh fine has been collected from such traders, the Minister added.