SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) has submitted a chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in a livestock fraud case involving alleged financial cheating running into lakhs of rupees.The chargesheet relates to FIR No. 17/2023, registered under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), against Muneer Ahmad Kataria, son of Noor-ud-Din Kataria, a resident of Uri Salamabad and presently living at Shutrloo Rohama in Baramulla district.
Officials said the case was initiated following a written complaint alleging cheating and misappropriation of a substantial amount of money in connection with the sale of livestock. The complainant, a trader dealing in cattle and sheep, claimed he was persuaded to supply animals on the assurance that payment would be made under a Government ST Quota Scheme. During the investigation, it emerged that the complainant had supplied cows and sheep worth several lakhs of rupees to the accused. While some payments were made initially to build confidence, the accused later issued a series of cheques totalling Rs 30 lakh, all of which were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds. Despite repeated commitments, the balance amount was never cleared, causing significant financial loss to the complainant.
The investigation further revealed that the accused allegedly followed a deliberate pattern by executing misleading agreements and issuing fake and dishonoured cheques under the false claim of procurement through a government welfare scheme, resulting in wrongful gain to himself and corresponding loss to the complainant.On the basis of evidence gathered, the EOW concluded that offences under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 RPC were prima facie made out, following which the chargesheet was filed before the competent court for judicial consideration.
