The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted simultaneous search and seizure operations at two jewellery establishments in Bengaluru on Wednesday and seized gold ornaments weighing 1,618.17 gms, valued at approximately ₹2.77 crore, for alleged violations of hallmarking regulations.

The raids were carried out by the BIS Bengaluru Branch Office at outlets of Panchkesari Badera Jewellers in Jayanagar and Panchkesari Badera Jewellers in Chickpet, as part of an enforcement drive against misuse of BIS standards and hallmarking norms.

During the inspection, the officials allegedly found gold ornaments without mandatory Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) markings, which is a violation under the BIS Act, 2016.

The officials said legal proceedings are being initiated against the establishments concerned under the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

The bureau stated that it regularly conducts such enforcement operations based on credible inputs regarding misuse of BIS Standard Marks and hallmarking violations to safeguard consumer interests and curb deceptive trade practices.

Consumers have been advised to verify the authenticity of hallmarked gold jewellery using the BIS Care App.