ANANTNAG: The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) has registered an FIR against Shahid Rehman Bhat, a resident of Tulbagh Shangus in Anantnag district, for allegedly defrauding multiple individuals under the pretense of supplying high-density apple plants.

According to a press release issued by the agency, several complaints were received against Shahid Rehman Bhat, proprietor of M/s AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd., who is accused of collecting large sums of money from unsuspecting farmers and horticulture enthusiasts by falsely promising to deliver high-density apple plants.

The complainants alleged that despite receiving payments running into crores of rupees, the accused neither delivered the promised plants nor refunded the money. After securing the funds, Bhat reportedly went into hiding.

An analysis of the bank transaction statements submitted by the complainants confirmed that the accused had collected significant sums from multiple victims, highlighting a well-planned fraudulent scheme.

Taking cognizance of the matter, the Economic Offences Wing has registered a case under Section 318 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 at the police station of the Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir).

Further investigation is underway.