CBK Chargesheets Absconding Couple in Gas Agency Fraud Case | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against Zahid Bashir Shagoo and his wife Shugufta in a Rs 38 lakh gas agency scam, accusing them of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

The chargesheet, filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Budgam, pertains to FIR No. 21/2022 under Sections 420, 421, 467, 468 and 120-B RPC.

According to officials, the case began after a complaint alleged that Zahid Shagoo deceitfully promised to arrange a licence for establishing a gas agency, for which the complainant paid Rs 38 lakh. The accused later allegedly issued forged documents presented as genuine licences.

A preliminary verification confirmed the allegations, with investigators finding that Zahid Shagoo, in conspiracy with his wife, had taken large sums of money on the pretext of securing a gas agency and extension counters. The enquiry established offences under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC.

The investigation reinforced evidence of fraud, leading to the formal filing of the chargesheet. As both accused are absconding, it has been submitted in absentia under Section 512 CrPC.

Officials noted that the duo has a history of similar offences. They were previously chargesheeted in FIR No. 13/2018 for cheating and forgery, and another case—FIR No. 31/2023—is nearing completion against Zahid Shagoo at the Economic Offences Wing.

Crime Branch Kashmir reiterated its commitment to tackling fraud and safeguarding public trust through strict action against economic offences.