Srinagar- The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in yet another major fraud case involving notorious absconder Zahid Bashir Sofi alias Shagoo, accused of orchestrating a high-value export scam under the guise of a Dubai-based trade venture.
The chargesheet in FIR No. 31/2023, registered under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), has been submitted before the Court of the City Judge, Srinagar. With both accused persons—Zahid Bashir Shagoo and co-accused Javeed Ahmad Shah—continuing to evade arrest, the chargesheet has been filed in absentia under Section 512 CrPC.
Repeat Offender With Multiple Fraud Cases
According to the EOW, Zahid Bashir Shagoo, son of Bashir Ahmad and resident of Andrabi Colony, Narbal, has a long criminal history involving financial fraud. He and his wife, Shugufta, are already implicated in earlier cases—FIR No. 21/2022 and FIR No. 13/2018—linked to alleged fraudulent schemes promising gas agency allotments. Chargesheets in these cases were also filed in absentia after the couple absconded.
Investigators describe Shagoo as a habitual offender whose repeated involvement in high-value scams has caused “substantial financial losses to unsuspecting victims.” His persistent evasion of law enforcement, they said, has become a matter of “serious and ongoing concern.”
Dubai Export Scam: How the Fraud Unfolded
The current case stems from a complaint alleging that Shagoo lured the victim into investing in a purported export business involving mutton, rice, and other products for shipment to Dubai. The investigation revealed a meticulously planned fraud carried out by Shagoo in alleged collusion with Javeed Ahmad Shah.
According to officials: The accused took the complainant to Punjab, where they arranged for the signing of a forged agreement supposedly with Mahabir Rice Mill and associated firms.
They later escorted the complainant to Dubai, allegedly to create an illusion of legitimacy and a flourishing international trade partnership.
On the strength of these fabrications, the complainant was induced to invest ₹34,74,600, which, investigators say, was subsequently misappropriated by the accused.
EOW officials confirm that the probe established the use of forged documents, fabricated agreements, and deliberate deceit, clearly bringing the actions under offences punishable by Sections 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) RPC.
Chargesheet Submitted; Hunt for Accused Continues
With sufficient evidence establishing the fraudulent conspiracy, the chargesheet has been formally filed for judicial determination. Meanwhile, both Shagoo and his alleged accomplice remain at large.
Public Asked to Help Trace Absconding Accused
The EOW has appealed to the public for information regarding the whereabouts of Zahid Bashir Shagoo, termed a chronic and habitual fraudster. Authorities assure that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
As the search continues, law enforcement agencies say they remain committed to bringing the accused to justice and safeguarding citizens from financial crimes of this nature.
