Crime Branch Kashmir Files Chargesheet in Alleged Dubai Export Fraud

Overview

• The Economic Offences Wing filed the chargesheet on December 6 in FIR No. 31/2023 under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC before the Court of the City Judge, Srinagar.
• The case was submitted in absentia under Section 512 CrPC because the accused have not been apprehended.
• The accused are identified as Zahid Bashir Sofi alias Shagoo and co-accused Javeed Ahmad Shah.
• Investigators allege forged documents, a fabricated agreement at Karnal’s Mahabir Rice Mill, and an escorted Dubai visit were used to induce a Rs 34.74 lakh investment that was misappropriated.
• Crime Branch notes Sofi’s prior fraud cases (FIR Nos. 21/2022 and 13/2018) also led to in-absentia chargesheets, and the agency has requested public information on the suspects’ whereabouts with confidentiality assured.