Relative took ₹1–2 lakh (cash + jewellery) ~5 years ago, now denying everything — any legal options left

Hi everyone,

I’m posting on behalf of my mother and would appreciate practical guidance on whether anything can realistically be done at this stage.

Background:

• Around 4–5 years ago, my mother gave a close relative (single mother) a total amount estimated between ₹1–2 lakh.
• This was partly in money and partly in gold jewellery that originally belonged to my mother.
• It was given as a loan / temporary help, with verbal assurance that it would be returned.
• Unfortunately, there was no written agreement at the time.

What happened later:

• Over time, the relative stopped communicating and began avoiding us.
• When confronted once in person, she denied receiving any money/jewellery.
• For the past several years, they have refused to talk and avoid us completely.
• We currently have no direct documentary proof (no written loan agreement). Some old photos of my mother wearing the jewellery may exist.

Current situation:

• A third person is now claiming he can help recover the money if we pay around ₹5000 upfront (supposedly for lawyer/police arrangements). We are very skeptical and worried this may be another scam.
• My mother still wants to pursue recovery if possible, but we also want to understand the realistic legal position before spending anything further.

Questions:

1. After ~5 years and without written proof, is any civil or criminal action realistically possible?
2. Does the jewellery angle (originally my mother’s property) make any legal difference?
3. Would sending a legal notice at this stage have any practical value?
4. Are such “recovery agents” ever legitimate, or should they be avoided completely?
5. What would be the most cost-effective next step, if any?

We are based in Maharashtra, if that matters for limitation periods.

Looking for honest, practical advice — even if the answer is that recovery is unlikely.

Thank you.