Hyderabad: Income tax sleuths probing Hyderabad’s flamboyant ‘gold men’ have unearthed a self-styled icon whose glittering persona, they say, was built largely on imitation.The probe led officials to a 34-year-old Attapur resident known as ‘Surya Bhai’, whose carefully cultivated image—complete with heavy jewellery, white attire and temple visits—collapsed under scrutiny. Investigators found that much of the gold he flaunted was, in fact, imitation. The trail to Surya Bhai emerged after officials widened their investigation into president of Telangana Hockey, ‘Bangaru Babu’ Konda Vijay Kumar, from whom 1.4 kg of genuine gold ornaments had earlier been seized at Delhi airport. Phone analysis and social media profiling led them to Surya Bhai, also identified as Pallapu Suresh Kumar, known locally as ‘Old City’ Surya Bhai. When summoned on Friday evening, he arrived with 12 jewellery items, initially claiming they were worth around Rs 1 crore. As questioning progressed, he reportedly revised the estimate downward. A department valuation later pegged the total worth at just about Rs 3 lakh. Most items, officials found, were made of copper with rhodium coating, while one was silver with gold coating. Image built on display Investigators said Surya Bhai had built a public persona around conspicuous display, projecting himself as a wealthy ‘gold man’ through frequent YouTube interviews and an active social media presence. In several interactions, when questioned about the authenticity of his jewellery, he denied wearing imitation pieces, asking why he would need to do so. However, officials found that the ornaments were frequently changed—not as a matter of style, but because they were imitation pieces that faded with use. In total, they counted at least 32 such items used across appearances. No financial backing The image, officials said, found little support in his financial records. 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—linked to a gym, a chicken shop and work as a trainer. Before that, he was employed as a gym instructor.No immovable properties were found in his or his wife’s name. He was found to be living in a rented flat with a monthly rent of Rs 20,000. Though he owned vehicles such as a Thar, Safari, Endeavour and a Bullet motorcycle, investigators concluded these were largely for display, acquired through commissions earned in settling land disputes. His claims of social work also failed to hold up. Surya Bhai had stated in public appearances that he ran SNS Praja Seva Foundation and an old-age home. Officials, however, found that the entity was neither registered nor had a PAN number. Fame over fortune During questioning, officials said, he admitted that the display was aimed at gaining visibility and securing film opportunities. He is said to have told investigators he had acted in two films in minor roles and had projected himself as an actor in interviews. One of those films, officials found, was ‘Gatikudu’. He had also spoken about political ambitions. In interviews, he had shared personal struggles, including poverty, depression, and his mother’s wish that he wear gold—elements that became part of his public narrative. After questioning, he was let off. The larger investigation, however, continues. Officials said the probe into Vijay Kumar—who is yet to explain the source of the 1.4 kg gold seized earlier—remains ongoing.
