The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, in a livestock fraud case involving lakhs of rupees, officials said on Saturday.
The chargesheet was submitted in 2023 FIR registered under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code against Muneer Ahmad Kataria, a resident of Uri Salamabad and currently of Shutrloo Rohama, Baramulla.
The case stems from a complaint alleging cheating and misappropriation of money in the sale of livestock. Investigations revealed that the complainant, engaged in the cattle and sheep trade, was induced to supply cows and sheep on the assurance of payment under a Government ST Quota Scheme.
Livestock worth several lakhs was supplied, with partial payments initially made to gain trust.
EoW said the accused later issued multiple cheques amounting to Rs 30 lakh, all of which were dishonoured due to insufficient funds. Despite repeated assurances, the remaining payment was never made, causing substantial financial loss to the complainant.
The probe further established that the accused executed misleading agreements and issued fake and dishonoured cheques under the false pretext of a government welfare scheme to unlawfully enrich himself.
Following completion of investigation, EOW Kashmir found sufficient evidence to establish the offences, and the matter is now before the court for judicial determination.
