Income tax officials investigating Hyderabad’s flashy “gold men” have uncovered a case where the glitter was not gold. Their probe led them to a 34-year-old Attapur resident known as Surya Bhai, who had built a public persona around heavy jewellery, white clothes and temple visits. However, when officials examined his ornaments closely, they discovered that most of the jewellery he wore was imitation, not real gold.
The trail to Surya Bhai emerged during a broader investigation into Konda Vijay Kumar, from whom 1.4 kg of genuine gold ornaments had been seized at Delhi airport. Phone analysis and social media profiling led officials to Surya Bhai, also identified as Pallapu Suresh Kumar, or “Old City” Surya Bhai. When he appeared before officials on Friday evening, he was wearing 12 jewellery items and initially claimed they were worth around Rs 1 crore. As questioning progressed, his claim dropped significantly.
Department valuers later assessed the total value of the jewellery at approximately Rs 3 lakh. Officials found that most of the ornaments were made of copper with rhodium coating, while one item was silver with gold coating. They also revealed that he had used at least 32 such pieces across various public appearances and changed them frequently because imitation jewellery faded with regular use.
His public image, investigators said, was carefully constructed through YouTube interviews and social media posts where he projected himself as a wealthy “gold man.” The online presence helped him gain attention and build a following based on the perception of extreme wealth. Officials noted that this persona was central to his strategy of gaining visibility in public and media circles.
Financial records examined by officials did not support the wealthy image he projected. They found that he had not filed income tax returns for six years except in 2022-23, when he declared an income of Rs 4.9 lakh. That income was linked to a gym, a chicken shop and his work as a trainer. Before that, he had worked as a gym instructor. Officials also found no immovable property registered in his or his wife’s name, and confirmed he was living in a rented flat with a monthly rent of Rs 20,000.
Investigators said he owned vehicles including a Thar, Safari, Endeavour and a Bullet motorcycle, but concluded these were mainly for display purposes and were acquired through commissions from settling land disputes. They also examined his claim that he ran SNS Praja Seva Foundation and an old-age home, but found that the entity was neither registered nor had a PAN number.
During questioning, officials said, Surya Bhai admitted that the display was meant to attract attention and improve his chances of landing film roles. He reportedly told them he had acted in two films in minor roles and had presented himself as an actor in interviews. Officials found that one of those films was Gatikudu. The entire persona, they concluded, was built to create opportunities in the film industry.
After questioning, he was released, but the larger investigation linked to Vijay Kumar is still continuing. The income tax department continues to probe the network of individuals involved in similar activities and their financial dealings.
