Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir on Friday said it has registered an FIR against a man accused of cheating numerous people by falsely promising to provide high-density apple plants.
According to a spokesperson, the FIR has been registered against Shahid Rehman Bhat, son of Abdul Rehman Bhat, a resident of Tulbagh Shangus, district Anantnag. Bhat is the proprietor of M/s AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd.
The case is based on multiple complaints alleging that Bhat took large sums of money from individuals—mostly farmers—under the pretext of supplying them with high-density apple plants. However, he neither delivered the plants nor returned the money, and is now reportedly absconding.
A review of bank transaction statements submitted by the complainants reveals that Bhat allegedly collected money amounting to several crores of rupees.
The Crime Branch said that Bhat’s actions prima facie constitute an offence punishable under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. Cognisance of the matter has been taken, and a case has been registered at Police Station Economic Offences Wing, the statement added.