Chargesheet Filed in Jammu and Kashmir Export Fraud Case
Export Fraud Chargesheet Filed
Srinagar, Dec 6: The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir announced on Saturday that it has submitted a chargesheet against two individuals involved in an export fraud case.
According to a statement from the Crime Branch Kashmir, "The economic offences unit has filed a chargesheet in a significant export fraud case against two individuals, including the alleged habitual offender Zahid Bashir Sofi, also known as Shagoo, in the Court of the City Judge, Srinagar.
"The chargesheet, related to FIR No. 31/2023 under Sections 420 and 120-B of the RPC, was submitted in absentia under Section 512 of the CrPC, as both suspects remain at large," the statement noted.
Shagoo and his accomplice, Javeed Ahmad Shah, reportedly persuaded the complainant to invest in a fake export business involving mutton, rice, and other products destined for Dubai.
The investigation revealed that the complainant was taken to Punjab to sign a forged contract with 'Mahabir Rice Mill, Mahabir Solvent, Rice Market GT Road Karnal' and subsequently to Dubai to fabricate credibility for the venture, resulting in an investment of ₹34.74 lakh, which was allegedly misappropriated.
"The case includes forged documents, falsified agreements, and intentional inducement, constituting offences under Sections 420 and 120-B of the RPC. Zahid Bashir Shagoo and his spouse have previously been implicated in other fraud cases - FIR No. 21/2022 and FIR No. 13/2018 - for allegedly extracting funds under the guise of providing gas agencies," the statement added.
"Those chargesheets were also filed under Section 512 of the CrPC after the accused avoided arrest," it continued.
Shagoo's repeated involvement in various fraud cases indicates a pattern of ongoing criminal behavior, and his continued evasion is a significant concern for law enforcement, according to police reports.
The Crime Branch has urged the public to provide any information regarding the absconding suspects, ensuring the confidentiality of those who come forward.
Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with security forces, are conducting extensive operations against terrorists, their associates, sympathizers, drug traffickers, and individuals engaged in financial crimes such as hawala money rackets and other illegal financial activities.
It is believed that the funds generated from these illegal activities are ultimately used to support terrorism.