The surprise raid was conducted by BIS authorities at Chetty Street and Big Bazaar Street.
Coimbatore: Sleuths from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted a raid in the city and confiscated Rs. 11 lakh worth of jewels and fake stamps used in the Agmark stamping units.
The surprise raid was conducted by BIS authorities led by Chief Officer Meenakshi at Chetty Street and Big Bazaar Street. The hallmark stamping units, ‘Revathy’ and ‘Sri,’ in these areas were raided since the 916, 22-carat stamping industries are largely functioning at both these streets.
10 BIS sleuths searched both these units and found that the hallmark stamp was illegally posted on gold jewelry in those industries with an expired license and using the earlier system.
The authorities subsequently stopped the marking of Hallmark which is the standard evidence for the jewels using laser machines.
They seized Rs.11 lakh worth of jewels and fake stamps which were then sent to the Standards Authority office.
The authorities stated that the licenses of these shops had expired long back and the employees have been using the stamps in the name of a closed unit to certify the quality of jewelry. Interrogation is underway with the employees and owners of these units.
Even as the Pongal festival and auspicious dates for marriages in the coming months have dawned, people have been thronging jewelry stores. Various jewelry stores have been attracting customers with discounts on 'making charges' and damaged jewelry. the BIS authorities stated that the raid was conducted to prevent customers from being cheated since fake jewels tend to be sold to take advantage of the festive season.
The authorities also advised that jewelry sold illegally is invalid and customers can confirm the hallmarked number printed on gold jewelry through the Internet or the specified App.
The surprise raid was conducted by BIS authorities led by Chief Officer Meenakshi at Chetty Street and Big Bazaar Street. The hallmark stamping units, ‘Revathy’ and ‘Sri,’ in these areas were raided since the 916, 22-carat stamping industries are largely functioning at both these streets.
10 BIS sleuths searched both these units and found that the hallmark stamp was illegally posted on gold jewelry in those industries with an expired license and using the earlier system.
The authorities subsequently stopped the marking of Hallmark which is the standard evidence for the jewels using laser machines.
They seized Rs.11 lakh worth of jewels and fake stamps which were then sent to the Standards Authority office.
The authorities stated that the licenses of these shops had expired long back and the employees have been using the stamps in the name of a closed unit to certify the quality of jewelry. Interrogation is underway with the employees and owners of these units.
Even as the Pongal festival and auspicious dates for marriages in the coming months have dawned, people have been thronging jewelry stores. Various jewelry stores have been attracting customers with discounts on 'making charges' and damaged jewelry. the BIS authorities stated that the raid was conducted to prevent customers from being cheated since fake jewels tend to be sold to take advantage of the festive season.
The authorities also advised that jewelry sold illegally is invalid and customers can confirm the hallmarked number printed on gold jewelry through the Internet or the specified App.