The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in Case FIR No. 31/2023 under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC before the Hon’ble Court of the City Judge, Srinagar, against two accused individuals, including habitual offender Zahid Bashir Sofi Shagoo, S/o Bashir Ahmad, R/o House No. 2, Andrabi Colony, Narbal. As both accused persons remain absconding, the chargesheet has been submitted in absentia under Section 512 CrPC.
Zahid Bashir Shagoo and his wife Shugufta have previously been implicated in multiple fraud cases, including FIR No. 21/2022 and FIR No. 13/2018, both involving alleged fraudulent collection of money on the pretext of providing gas agencies. Chargesheets in these cases were also filed in absentia under Section 512 CrPC after the duo evaded arrest.
The EOW notes that Shagoo’s repeated involvement in high-value fraud cases reflects a persistent pattern of alleged criminal activity, resulting in significant financial losses to victims. His continued evasion of law enforcement remains a serious concern.
In FIR No. 31/2023, the case originated from a written complaint alleging that Zahid Bashir Sofi Shagoo deceitfully induced the complainant to invest in a purported export business involving mutton, rice, and other goods destined for Dubai. Shagoo, in alleged collusion with co-accused Javeed Ahmad Shah, reportedly executed a meticulously planned scheme that included taking the complainant to Punjab to sign a forged agreement with “Mahabir Rice Mill”, Mahabir Solvent, Rice Market GT Road Karnal, and later escorting him to Dubai to create false credibility around the purported venture. Based on these misrepresentations, the complainant invested ₹34,74,600, which, as per the investigation, was misappropriated.
The investigation established the use of forged documents, fabricated agreements, and deliberate inducement, leading to offences punishable under Sections 420 and 120-B RPC. Accordingly, the chargesheet has been presented before the Hon’ble Court for judicial proceedings.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the accused habitual offender Zahid Bashir Shagoo is requested to contact the investigating agency. The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential.
