Kozhikode gold traders demand faster action on fraud suspect arrest

Gold and silver merchants in Kozhikode's Kammath Lane staged a half-day shutdown on Saturday to protest what they describe as unacceptable delays in the arrest of a suspect linked to a major fraud case. The demonstration, organized under the banner of the Kammath Lane Gold and Silver Merchants' Association, reflected growing frustration within the trading community over the pace of the investigation.

The protesters have formally demanded that authorities transfer the case to a senior police officer or constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to ensure it receives adequate attention and resources. Merchants argued that the current handling of the matter lacks the urgency and seriousness warranted by the scale of the alleged fraud.

The gold trading sector in Kozhikode has long been a significant component of the city's commercial activity, and the merchants' collective action signals deepening concerns about both the alleged crime and the response from law enforcement. The association indicated that further action would be considered if their demands are not addressed promptly.

Authorities have not yet publicly commented on the protesters' demands or the status of the investigation into the fraud allegations.