A gold-purity testing controversy at a Malabar Gold showroom in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has raised concerns among jewellery customers. According to a complaint, a customer visited the showroom to exchange an old 22-carat HUID-hallmarked bracelet for new jewellery. Staff reportedly tested it multiple times using an XRF machine and claimed it was only 20-carat gold. They also allegedly questioned the bracelet’s hallmark.
The customer called the local jeweller who had sold the bracelet. After verifying the HUID number, the jeweller insisted on another test. The machine reportedly displayed a 916 reading, indicating 22-carat gold. The jeweller recorded the incident and filed a complaint with the police.
Following the complaint, police registered an FIR against the showroom manager and machine operator. They also seized the testing machine and CCTV DVR for investigation. The allegations are being investigated, and the facts are yet to be established.