Kodungallur, Kerala: A 61-year-old man known as “KGF Swamy” has been arrested on allegations of cheating people out of lakhs of rupees by claiming he could supply pure gold bars sourced directly from gold mines at prices below the market rate.

The accused, identified as Shaji, a native of Madhava Mangalam in Pathanamthitta district, was arrested by the Rural Police from a rented house at Uzhuvathukadavu in Kodungallur (Thrissur district).

According to police, Shaji cultivated the image of a spiritual figure and allegedly convinced people that he had direct access to gold mines. He is accused of promising gold bars and ornaments at discounted rates, claiming they were sourced directly from mining operations.

Police said victims were led to believe they could purchase genuine gold at prices lower than prevailing market rates because the metal was allegedly being supplied directly from the source. During the arrest, police recovered a large knife, a fake gold bar weighing around one kilogram, nine chains and five bangles.

Police have also received indications that a similar modus operandi may have been used in other parts of Kerala. Officers are now examining whether more people were targeted through the alleged fraud.

‘KGF Swamy’ nickname linked to gold mine claims

It is believed that the accused came to be known as “KGF Swamy” because of his repeated claims that he could procure gold directly from mines.

The nickname appears to be inspired by the KGF film franchise, where the protagonist Rocky Bhai makes a powerful and emotional vow to his mother that he will never die in poverty, and that one day he will bring her all the gold in the world. In the film series, he rises through the world of gold mining and organised crime.