The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested a 38-year-old man from Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a decade-old business fraud case involving alleged cheating of more than ₹5 lakh in the name of Kashmiri apple consignments. Investigators said the accused had been absconding for nearly 10 years and allegedly kept changing his location, mobile numbers and contact network to avoid arrest.
Fraud Case Dates Back to 2016
The case was registered in 2016 at Mahendra Park police station in Delhi under provisions related to cheating and criminal conspiracy. According to the complaint, the accused and his associates allegedly collected ₹5,08,700 on different occasions after promising to supply consignments of Kashmiri apples.
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The complainant alleged that the accused neither supplied the apple consignments nor returned the money. Investigators said the accused had projected himself as a trustworthy businessman and maintained business relations for a considerable period before abruptly cutting off communication.
During the investigation, the accused allegedly went underground. Police later announced a reward of ₹50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Accused Traced Through Surveillance
After the case was transferred to the Crime Branch, a special team began technical surveillance and field verification in Jammu and Kashmir. Investigators revisited old addresses in and around Anantnag and questioned local traders and transport operators to trace people earlier linked to the accused.
Officials said the accused had deliberately distanced himself from his earlier social and business circles for several years. Police sources said he frequently changed SIM cards and avoided using a single mobile number for long periods.
Investigators believe he maintained a limited digital footprint and relied on secondary contacts and indirect communication channels to avoid being traced. He was finally apprehended on May 13 from the fruit and vegetable market area in Anantnag.
Financial Records Under Examination
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted that he first met the complainant in 2011 through a common acquaintance, after which business dealings related to apple consignments began. Police said disputes later arose over payments, following which the accused allegedly cut off contact and refused to return the money.
According to investigators, he shifted from his original residence and continued small-scale wholesale fruit trading from another locality in Anantnag while evading arrest.
Police are now examining the accused’s financial records, past business dealings and possible associates linked to the case. Investigators suspect that the role of additional individuals may emerge as further inquiry and examination of financial documents continue.
