IMPHAL, July 21: Locals of Khurai detained two non local conmen, while trying to scoot away with cleverly stolen gold using a chemical process known as cupellation.
Cupellation is a refining process for nonoxidizing metals, such as silver and gold, in which a metallic mixture is oxidized at high temperatures and base metals are separated by absorption into the walls of a cupel.
When applied deftly, the process dissolves away the outer surface of these metals giving them a shine. The dissolved metal can then be separated from the solution by a reverse process.
The conmen originally from Bihar but presently residing at Dimapur in Nagaland brought what was supposedly a metal cleansing solution and offered to shine household utensils belonging to one Sagolsem Nabakumar of Khurai Konsam Leikai.
They then convinced women members of the house that even gold ornament could be given fresh glint with the solution they had, and proceeded cleansing precious ornaments with owners` consent.
They thus cleaned three necklaces estimated to be about eight Sans, apart from earrings and other gold ornaments.
Then they tried to rush off with the residue solution after informing the owners of the ornaments to keep the cleansed gold sealed in a paper pack they provided for at least one and half hours.
Suspicious, the residents unsealed the pack and found to their surprise, all the gold ornaments had depleted and contorted.
Immediately, they alerted neighbours and detained the two cheats who tried to slip off with the solution in which the gold had been made to dissolve.
The conmen were later identified as Dharbind Kumar Shah, 21, son of Mohon and Deewan Kumar Shah son of Sudhir Kumar Shah, both hailing from Kathihar, Bihar, but presently residing in Dimapur, Nagaland.
As per their disclosure, they reached Ukhrul from Dimapur last Saturday and reached Imphal only yesterday.
An identity card issued by executive magistrate, Ukhrul was also recovered from the possession of Dharbind Kumar. The I-card is valid from 07/06/2006 to 31/12/2009.
While interacting with IFP, the duo confessed to have successfully duped people of their gold and silver using the cupellation process.
They also informed IFP that members of their families have been summoned from Dimapur to come by tomorrow and after their arrival compensations for the ornaments they damaged will be made.
Source: The Imphal Free Press
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