NEW DELHI: Five members of a gang, including a woman, have been arrested for duping people by selling them fake items in the name of 'antiques'. The gang would pass off the fake items as 'nagmani' for prosperity. To gain the confidence of people, the accused would keep the gem in a box and it would sparkle. The trick was pulled off with the help of a bulb. According to police, the accused would demand Rs 2 crore for the gem.

Vidyut Kumar Banerjee (42), Kiran Lohia (40), Abu Bakka Mandal (53), Sanjit Pal (36) and Satender Kumar Singh (44) have duped many people, earning several crores in the last three years.

One businessman, Shahid, was cheated by the gang a few days ago when he was sold the gem in the name of prosperity and goodluck. One of the accused told Shahid that the precious and antique gem (nagmani), can give a jump in his income.

"The accused invited Shahid to Aman Hotel in Karol Bagh to see a demonstration. The complainant was facing some financial losses in his business and he therefore decided to see the demo. The accused opened the box and displayed the sparkling nagmani to Shahid and demanded Rs 2 crore for it," said Devesh Srivastva, additional commissioner of police, central district.

They were held on Shahid's complaint. The accused "worked in a company named IPMI at Kolkata, and were directed by one Degani who deals in fake gems", said cops. The gang would put the nagmani in a box already fitted with an electric bulb. As the bulb was remote controlled, they would manipulate the buttons and mesmerize the customers," said Srivastva.

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