Srinagar, 3 December (H.S.): The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) today filed a chargesheet against two absconders in a Rs 38 lakh cheating case involving a fraudulent promise of securing a licence for setting up a gas agency.

According to CBK, the chargesheet in FIR No. 21/2022, registered under Sections 420, 421, 467, 468 and 120-B of the RPC, has been filed against Zahid Bashir Shagoo, son of Bashir Ahmad Shagoo, and his wife Shugufta.

Both originally residents of Koker Bazar, Srinagar, the duo is presently residing at House No. 2, Indrabi Colony, Narbal, Budgam.

The chargesheet has been submitted before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam, CBK said.

Giving case details, CBK said the matter originated from a written complaint alleging that Zahid Bashir Shagoo “deceitfully promised” to secure a licence for establishing a gas agency, for which the complainant paid Rs 38 lakh.

“It was further alleged that the accused later provided fabricated and forged documents purporting to be genuine licences. Accordingly, a preliminary verification was initiated,” CBK said.

During the enquiry, CBK said, the allegations were found to be prima facie established, revealing that Zahid Bashir Shagoo, “in criminal conspiracy with his wife Shugufta, grabbed lakhs of rupees from the complainant on the pretext of providing a gas agency along with extension counters.”

The duo “intentionally defrauded” the complainant by issuing forged documents, CBK said, adding that offences under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC were found to be substantiated.

CBK said its investigation reinforced evidence of criminal conduct, leading to the filing of the chargesheet for judicial determination.

“However, as both accused persons are absconding, the chargesheet has been presented in absentia under Section 512 CrPC,” it said.

CBK added that the accused couple had earlier been challaned in another case-FIR No. 13/2018 under Sections 420, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC-indicating a pattern of similar fraudulent activities.

In addition, another case, FIR No. 31/2023, is under investigation against Zahid Bashir Shagoo at the Economic Offences Wing. “The investigation of the said case is at its final stage and is about to be concluded on merits,” CBK said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar