Srinagar, Dec 5, KNT: The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in Case FIR No. 31/2023 under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC against two accused individuals, including habitual offender Zahid Bashir Sofi alias Shagoo of Narbal. As both accused remain absconding, the chargesheet has been filed in absentia before the Hon’ble Court of City Judge Srinagar under Section 512 CrPC.
According to officials, Zahid Bashir Shagoo and his wife Shugufta have a documented history of involvement in earlier fraud cases, including FIR No. 21/2022 and FIR No. 13/2018 related to alleged fraudulent extraction of money on the pretext of providing gas agencies. Chargesheets in those cases were also filed under Section 512 CrPC after the duo evaded arrest.
The EOW said Shagoo’s repeated involvement in high-value fraud cases points to a persistent pattern of alleged criminal behaviour that has caused substantial financial losses to multiple victims. His continuous evasion of law enforcement has been flagged as a serious concern.
The latest case, FIR No. 31/2023, originated from a complaint alleging that Shagoo deceitfully induced the complainant to invest in a purported export business for mutton, rice and other goods destined for Dubai. Investigators said Shagoo, in alleged collusion with co-accused Javeed Ahmad Shah, orchestrated a scheme that included taking the complainant to Punjab to sign a forged agreement with “Mahabir Rice Mill”, Mahabir Solvent, Rice Market GT Road Karnal, and later escorting him to Dubai to create false credibility. On the strength of these misrepresentations, the complainant invested ₹34,74,600, which was misappropriated.
The probe established the use of forged documents, fabricated agreements and deliberate inducement, confirming offences under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC. The chargesheet has been submitted for judicial determination.
Crime Branch Kashmir has asked the public to share any information regarding the whereabouts of the absconding accused Zahid Bashir Shagoo, assuring that the identity of informants will remain confidential. [KNT]
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