Crime Branch Kashmir chargesheets accused in major livestock scam involving fake government scheme
Lakhs siphoned off through forged cheques in livestock scam, EOW moves court
SRINAGAR, Dec 27: In a major crackdown on economic crime, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in a high-value livestock fraud case involving alleged cheating, forgery and financial deception amounting to several lakhs of rupees.
The chargesheet has been filed in connection with FIR No. 17/2023 registered under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the Ranbir Penal Code against accused Muneer Ahmad Kataria, son of Noor-ud-Din Kataria, a resident of Uri Salamabad, presently residing at Shutrloo Rohama in Baramulla district.
According to the Crime Branch, the case originated from a written complaint by a livestock trader who alleged that he was cheated and financially exploited under the false pretext of a government welfare quota scheme. The complainant, who is engaged in the purchase and sale of cattle and sheep, claimed that he was induced to supply cows and sheep after being assured that payments would be released under a Government ST Quota Scheme.
Following the complaint, the Economic Offences Wing initiated a detailed investigation. During the probe, it emerged that the complainant supplied livestock worth several lakhs of rupees to the accused. To gain the trader’s confidence, partial payments were initially made. However, the accused later issued multiple cheques amounting to ₹30 lakh, all of which were dishonoured due to insufficient funds.
Despite repeated assurances and follow-ups, the remaining payment was never cleared, causing significant financial loss to the complainant. The investigation further revealed that the accused had adopted a calculated and deceptive modus operandi by executing misleading agreements and issuing fake and dishonoured cheques, all while falsely projecting the transaction as part of a government welfare procurement process.
Crime Branch officials stated that the accused misused the name of a government scheme to create an illusion of legitimacy, thereby exploiting public trust and causing wrongful loss to the complainant while securing unlawful gains for himself.
On the basis of documentary evidence, financial records and other material collected during the investigation, the Economic Offences Wing concluded that offences under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 RPC were clearly established against the accused. Consequently, the chargesheet has been presented before the competent court for judicial determination.
Officials said the case highlights the growing trend of fraudsters misusing the names of government schemes to cheat unsuspecting businessmen and reiterated the Crime Branch’s commitment to taking strict action against economic offences that undermine public confidence and financial integrity.
