Srinagar, Nov. 5 -- In a shocking case of deception, a woman has allegedly cheated multiple jewellers across Srinagar of gold and copper ornaments worth over 17 lakh, using a mix of fake cheques, false assurances, and calculated charm.

Over the past few months, at least three jewellery stores-Shah-e-Hamdan Ornaments at Lal Bazar, Maqdoomi Zevraat near Nawa Kadal, and Zarger Jewellers at Soura-have reported falling prey to the same fraudster. The incidents, which took place between late July and late August, have sent ripples of alarm through the city's jewellery trade.

According to the victims, the woman would walk into the shops claiming to be interested in buying ornaments. After selecting the items, she would insist on showing them t...