The Kashmir Dialogues
Srinagar, July 25 (TKD): The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) has registered a case against Shahid Rehman Bhat of Tulbagh, Shangus in Anantnag district for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale fraud involving the supply of high-density apple plants.
According to an official statement, Shahid Rehman Bhat, son of Ab. Rehman Bhat and proprietor of M/s AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd, deceived numerous individuals by collecting substantial sums of money under the false promise of providing high-density apple plants.
Multiple complaints lodged with the Crime Branch allege that Bhat, after receiving hefty payments from farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, neither delivered the promised saplings nor refunded the money. Instead, he reportedly went into hiding, leaving the victims in financial distress.
An initial analysis of bank transaction statements submitted by the complainants suggests that the accused has misappropriated crores of rupees through this fraudulent scheme.
Authorities have booked Bhat under Section 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, with a case formally registered at the Police Station of the Economic Offences Wing, Crime Branch Kashmir.
The investigation is underway, and further legal proceedings are expected in due course as the authorities work to recover the defrauded amount and bring the accused to justice.
(TKD)
