AKGSMA Leads Kerala’s Gold Traders in Protest Against Illegal Police Recoveries & Unjust E-Way Bill Rules
Gold traders in Kerala are facing immense hardship due to illegal police recoveries that continue despite clear directives from the State Police Chief and the High Court. These unjust actions, based solely on statements from thieves without scientific investigation, have led to devastating consequences, including financial ruin and personal tragedies within the gold trading community. Around 1000 people are present for the protest, standing in unity against these injustices and demanding immediate corrective action.
Unjust Police Recoveries Leading to Tragedy
One of the most distressing incidents linked to these unlawful recoveries is the tragic suicide of Radhakrishnan, a well-respected gold trader from Muhamma, Alappuzha. Fearing humiliation and financial devastation following an unjust police recovery, he took his own life. His case has become a rallying point for gold traders across Kerala, highlighting the urgent need for fair treatment and judicial oversight in recovery operations.
Demand for Government Intervention
The All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA) has taken a firm stand against these unlawful practices, leading a protest at the Secretariat. Their key demands include:
- An immediate end to illegal police recoveries that violate court orders.
- Financial compensation for Radhakrishnan’s family as a measure of justice.
- Increasing the e-way bill limit to 500 grams to facilitate smoother business operations.
- Exclusion of unfinished gold from the e-way bill system to prevent unnecessary trader harassment.
- Limiting e-way bill enforcement to a 50 km radius to protect local traders.
- Curbing unfair GST audits that disproportionately burden small businesses.
- Writing off VAT arrears that are crippling honest gold traders.
- Rolling back excessive employment tax and license fee hikes that hinder business sustainability.
- Investigating fraudulent investment schemes and eliminating commission exploitation in the gold trade sector.
- Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Former Home Minister of Kerala, along with AKGSMA, has extended full support to these demands, urging the government to address the growing crisis in the jewellery industry.
Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Former Home Minister of Kerala, along with AKGSMA, has extended full support to these demands, urging the government to address the growing crisis in the jewellery industry.
Corruption in Gold Recovery – A Systematic Failure
The misuse of law in gold recoveries has become a nightmare for traders. Police recover stolen gold based solely on the statements of thieves, often without proper verification. In many cases, traders are forcibly taken into custody without prior notice, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The current recovery process lacks transparency, as police often recover far more gold than what was reported stolen but only present a small portion in court. Reports suggest that in several cases, ten times the stolen gold was unjustly recovered from multiple shops. Traders who resist such unlawful recoveries face threats, extortion, and even police brutality.
Despite a circular issued by the State Chief of Police and an order from the Hon’ble High Court, these illegal practices continue unchecked. Standard procedures requiring the presence of a public servant or association representative during recoveries are frequently ignored, leading to further exploitation of innocent traders.
Call for Accountability and Reform
Gold traders are demanding a thorough inquiry into police recoveries over the last decade to uncover widespread corruption. The association is calling for:
- Strict enforcement of recovery procedures in accordance with the State Chief of Police’s guidelines.
- Investigations into the unjust detainment and mistreatment of gold traders, including the case of Radhakrishnan.
- Suspension and legal action against police officials found guilty of abuse of power.
- Implementation of a transparent and scientifically validated recovery system to prevent wrongful seizures.
The gold trading community in Kerala stands united in their demand for justice and fair treatment. The government’s response to these protests will determine the future of the industry and the livelihoods of thousands of traders across the state.
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