Faridabad Scrap Dealer Returns ₹15 Lakh Gold Sold as Junk During Diwali Cleanup

In a rare and heartwarming display of honesty, a scrap dealer in Faridabad returned nearly 100 grams of gold jewellery worth around ₹15 lakh to its rightful owner, four months after it was mistakenly sold as junk.

The jewellery belonged to Ashok Sharma, a resident of Faridabad, who unknowingly disposed of it during a Diwali cleaning drive. According to Sharma, the ornaments had been stored in a box and placed inside a sack before the family left for the Kumbh Mela last year, as a precaution against theft. However, during festive cleaning, the sack was mistakenly treated as scrap and sold.

Soon after realising the error, Sharma contacted the scrap dealer, but despite efforts, the jewellery could not be traced at the time. Disappointed, the family returned home without hope.

Nearly four months later, scrap dealer Haji Akhtar Khan — popularly known as Khan Sahab — discovered the gold wrapped in paper while sorting scrap materials. After verifying its authenticity with a goldsmith, he informed the police and took the jewellery to the office of ACP Ballabgarh, Jitesh Malhotra, where it was formally handed over to Sharma.

Khan said he felt morally responsible to return the jewellery, especially since Sharma had earlier approached him regarding the missing items. He added that his family fully supported the decision.

ACP Jitesh Malhotra lauded Khan’s integrity, calling it a reminder that honesty still prevails. He also advised citizens to handle valuables carefully, especially during household clean-ups.