Srinagar, Aug 2: The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) on Saturday carried out multiple searches in Anantnag district and arrested one Shahid Rehman Bhat, a resident of Shangus, Nowgam, for allegedly cheating several individuals of crores of rupees.
According to officials, Shahid Rehman Bhat—proprietor of M/s AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd—was arrested in connection with FIR No. 16/2025 registered on July 21. The accused is alleged to have received large sums of money from farmers and individuals on the promise of supplying High Density Apple Plants. However, after collecting the payments, he neither delivered the promised plants nor refunded the money and subsequently went into hiding.
Several written complaints were received by the Crime Branch, leading to an investigation. Examination of bank transaction records provided by complainants confirmed that crores of rupees had been collected under false pretenses.
Crime Branch officials stated that the accused’s actions fall under offences punishable under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Shahid Rehman Bhat had applied for bail, but his application was rejected by the Hon’ble Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Anantnag, on August 2.(KNS)
