Srinagar – 2 December (LatestNewsX) – The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch announced that it has lodged a charge sheet concerning a Rs 38‑lakh LPG scam.
According to the branch’s statement, “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, resident of Koker Bazar, Srinagar, presently residing at House No. 2, Indrabi Colony, Narbal, District Budgam, and Shugufta, wife of Zahid Bashir Shagoo, resident of Koker Bazar, Srinagar, presently residing at House No. 2, Indrabi Colony, Narbal, District Budgam. The charge sheet has been submitted before the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam.”
The dispute started with a written complaint that alleged Mr. Shagoo illegally assured the complainant that he could obtain a license for a gas agency, leading to a payment of Rs 38 lakh. The complainant later claimed that the documents presented as legitimate licenses were actually fabricated and forged.
“Accordingly, a Preliminary Verification was initiated by the Crime Branch Kashmir. During the enquiry, the allegations were found to be prima facie established, revealing that the accused Zahid Bashir Shagoo, in criminal conspiracy with his wife Shugufta, grabbed lakhs of rupees from the complainant on the pretext of providing a gas agency along with extension counters. Thus, they intentionally defrauded the complainant by issuing forged documents,” the statement continued.
Consequently, offences punishable under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, and 120‑B RPC were identified. The subsequent investigation strengthened the evidence of criminal conduct, culminating in the formal filing of the charge sheet for judicial review.
The Crime Branch added, “However, as both accused persons are absconding, the charge sheet has been presented in absentia under Section 512 CrPC. It is pertinent to mention 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 duo had already been challaned, demonstrating a pattern of similar fraudulent activities. Furthermore, another case, FIR No. 31/2023, is under investigation against Zahid Bashir Shagoo at the Police Station Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir. The investigation of the said case is at its final stage and is about to be concluded on the merits.”
“The Crime Branch Kashmir reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring accountability, safeguarding public trust, and taking firm action against fraud, cheating, and economic offences in all forms,” the statement closed.
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