HYDERABAD: Income tax officials probing Hyderabad's self-styled "gold men" have uncovered that a flamboyant local figure's claims of immense wealth were largely fabricated, with most of his jewellery found to be imitation.
The probe led officials to a 34-year-old Attapur resident, popularly known as Surya Bhai, whose public image ,marked by heavy jewellery, white attire and frequent temple visits, collapsed during questioning.
Investigators said the trail emerged while widening their inquiry into Telangana Hockey president Konda Vijay Kumar, from whom 1.4 kg of gold ornaments had earlier been seized at Delhi airport. Phone analysis and social media tracking led them to Surya Bhai, identified as Pallapu Suresh Kumar, locally known as "Old City" Surya Bhai.
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Claims of wealth fail to match financial disclosures
Officials found that Surya Bhai had not filed income tax returns for six years, except in 2022-23, when he declared an income of ₹4.9 lakh.
The income was linked to a gym, a chicken shop and his work as a trainer. He had earlier worked as a gym instructor.
Investigators also found no immovable properties in his or his wife's name. He was living in a rented flat with a monthly rent of ₹20,000.
His vehicles,including a Thar, Safari, Endeavour and a Bullet motorcycle, were reportedly purchased using commissions earned from settling land disputes.
Jewellery valuation drops sharply after questioning
When summoned on Friday evening, Surya Bhai arrived with 12 jewellery items and initially claimed they were worth around ₹1 crore.
As questioning progressed, he revised the estimate downward. A departmental valuation later pegged the total worth at around ₹3 lakh.
Officials said most items were made of copper with rhodium coating, while one piece was silver with gold coating.
Social media image crafted for visibility, film roles
Investigators said Surya Bhai had built his public persona through YouTube interviews and an active social media presence, projecting himself as a wealthy "gold man".
In several interactions, he had denied wearing imitation jewellery when questioned about authenticity. However, officials found that his ornaments were frequently changed because imitation pieces faded with use. At least 32 such items were identified across appearances.
During questioning, he admitted that the display was aimed at gaining visibility and securing film opportunities. He said he had acted in two films in minor roles and presented himself as an actor in interviews. One of the films was "Gatikudu".
He had also spoken about political ambitions in public interactions.
In interviews, he had cited personal struggles, including poverty, depression and his mother's wish that he wear gold , elements that became part of his narrative.
Officials said he was let off after questioning. The probe into Vijay Kumar, who is yet to explain the source of the seized 1.4 kg gold, remains ongoing.