Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) today conducted searches at multiple locations in District Anantnag in connection with a case registered under FIR No. 16/2025.
“During the operation, the accused—Shahid Rehman Bhat, son of Ab. Rehman Bhat, resident of Shangus, Nowgam, District Anantnag and proprietor of M/s AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd—was arrested for allegedly defrauding innocent individuals of crores of rupees,” said Public Relations Officer, Crime Branch Kashmir.
“The case was initiated following multiple written complaints received by the Economic Offences Wing. The complainants alleged that the accused had cheated them under the pretext of supplying High-Density Apple Plants. After collecting substantial amounts of money, the accused neither delivered the promised plants nor returned the funds, subsequently going into hiding,” the officer said.
“A detailed scrutiny of the bank transaction records submitted by the complainants revealed that Shahid Rehman Bhat had misappropriated crores of rupees from unsuspecting farmers and individuals,” he said.
He further said: “The actions of the accused prima facie constitute offences punishable under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. Taking cognizance of the matter, FIR No. 16/2025 dated 21.07.2025 was registered at Police Station Economic Offences Wing, Crime Branch Kashmir.”
“It is also noteworthy that the accused had filed a bail application, which was rejected by the Hon’ble Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Anantnag vide order dated 02.08.2025. Further investigation in the case is underway,” he added.