Srinagar, December 2 (NationPress) - The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir announced on Tuesday that it has submitted a charge sheet to the court in connection with the Rs 38 lakh LPG fraud case.

A statement from the Crime Branch revealed, “The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) has filed a charge sheet in Case FIR No. 21/2022 under sections 420, 421, 467, 468, and 120-B RPC against Zahid Bashir Shagoo, son of Bashir Ahmad Shagoo, a resident of Koker Bazar, Srinagar, currently living at House No. 2, Indrabi Colony, Narbal, District Budgam, and Shugufta, wife of Zahid Bashir Shagoo, who also resides at the same address. The charge sheet has been filed before the Hon’ble Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam.”

The investigation was initiated following a complaint alleging that Zahid Bashir Shagoo fraudulently promised to obtain a license for establishing a gas agency, for which the complainant paid Rs 38 lakh. It was subsequently claimed that the accused provided counterfeit and forged documents masquerading as authentic licenses.

“A Preliminary Verification was conducted by the Crime Branch Kashmir, and during the inquiry, the allegations were substantiated, indicating that the accused Zahid Bashir Shagoo, in collusion with his wife Shugufta, unlawfully acquired a significant sum of money from the complainant under the pretense of providing a gas agency and extension counters. They intentionally deceived the complainant by presenting forged documents,” the statement added.

As a result, offenses punishable under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, and 120-B RPC were established. The ongoing investigation has strengthened the evidence of criminal behavior, culminating in the formal submission of the charge sheet for judicial review.

The Crime Branch further stated, “Both accused individuals are currently absconding, prompting the charge sheet to be filed in absentia under Section 512 CrPC. It is important to note that in a previous case (FIR No. 13/2018 under Sections 420, 468, 471, 120-B RPC of Police Station Crime Branch Kashmir), the accused couple had already been charged, illustrating a history of similar fraudulent activities. Additionally, another case, FIR No. 31/2023, is under investigation against Zahid Bashir Shagoo at the Police Station Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir, with the inquiry nearing completion.”

“The Crime Branch Kashmir reiterates its steadfast commitment to ensuring accountability, preserving public trust, and taking decisive action against fraud, deceit, and economic offenses in all its manifestations,” concluded the statement.