A Jharkhand-based gang posing as utensil exchangers and duping rural women of their jewellery and money has been busted by the Mohanlalganj police in Lucknow. The gang was arrested on May 20, and includes the alleged mastermind, Pyari Devi (40), along with four male accomplices.
The case came to light after Neelam, a woman from Shivdhara village, reported that on May 1, a woman approached her and other villagers offering to exchange old utensils for new ones. Over time, the woman gained their trust by making multiple visits. Eventually, she proposed a new scheme—asking the women to hand over gold and silver jewellery, along with Rs5,000 in cash, in exchange for upgraded ornaments and money.
Believing her, Neelam and several other women complied. But the woman never returned. ACP Mohanlalganj Rajneesh Verma confirmed that an FIR was filed under Section 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Mohanlalganj police station.
Acting on the complaint, the police launched a manhunt and apprehended the accused near Kasturba Gandhi Vidyalaya on Nagram Nilmatha Road. Those arrested include:
Pyari Devi (40) – Mastermind, from Hazaribagh
Vinodmal Pahadi (45) – Hazaribagh
Sehavan Malhar (19) – Chatra
Mithilesh Malhar (30) – Giridih
Karu Malhar (35) – Hazaribagh
According to police, Pyari Devi would scout villages and start by exchanging new utensils for old ones to build rapport. She would later return with offers of new jewellery, asking for old jewellery and cash in return. Once the valuables were handed over, the gang would disappear and move to another district.
The scam reportedly spread across Rae Bareli, Amethi, Unnao, and Kanpur. Police recovered some stolen jewellery and Rs5,900 in cash from the gang.
Authorities have warned villagers to remain cautious and report suspicious activities promptly.
