Agra | A shoe trader in Agra has alleged fraud of ₹23.52 lakh against a Kerala-based export firm and its operators, claiming that goods were supplied on trust but payment was never made and threats were issued when recovery was attempted. Acting on a court order, police in the Chhata police station area have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the matter.
The complainant, Mohammad Sabir, stated in his petition before the court that he runs a wholesale footwear business under the name “Emra Shoe Company” located at Shri Ram Plaza in Hing Ki Mandi, Agra. He alleged that representatives of “Messrs Byas Export and Import,” based in Kerala, including proprietor Waliakand Veeranhaji and his sons Shaukat Ali and Sahil Ali, had visited Agra in connection with business dealings.
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According to the complaint, the accused introduced themselves as business agents and proposed a partnership arrangement. They allegedly assured the trader that pending dues would be cleared gradually and promised regular future business dealings. Trusting these assurances, the complainant entered into commercial transactions with them.
It has been alleged that between December 2022 and February 2023, the accused placed orders for footwear worth approximately ₹23,52,756 and received the goods at their establishment. The trader claims that the shipment was made purely on the basis of goodwill and commercial trust.
However, after receiving the goods, the complainant alleged that the behaviour of the accused changed significantly. Communication reportedly reduced, and calls were not answered. Despite repeated attempts to contact them for payment and return of goods, the accused allegedly refused to clear dues or return the consignment.
The complainant further alleged that when he pressed for payment, the accused abused him and issued death threats. He stated that due to continued inaction at the local police station, where his complaint was allegedly not registered, he was forced to approach the court seeking justice.
Following the court’s directive, police have now registered a case against Waliakand Veeranhaji, Shaukat Ali and Sahil Ali under charges related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal intimidation. Officials have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the allegations.
Police are currently examining business documents, invoices, supply records, and any available bank transaction details related to the disputed trade. Investigators are also verifying the terms under which the goods were supplied and whether any formal agreement existed between the parties.
Officials said the objective of the investigation is to determine whether the transaction was purely commercial in nature or part of a larger pattern of alleged fraudulent trade practices. Authorities are also trying to ascertain whether similar complaints exist against the accused in other states.
Experts in trade and commercial disputes note that such cases are increasingly being reported in interstate business dealings, particularly where transactions are conducted on credit or trust-based arrangements. In several instances, traders send goods based on verbal assurances or informal agreements, which later result in payment disputes and legal complications.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that economic offences are no longer limited to online frauds alone. According to him, “Fraudulent activities are increasingly being executed through supply chain networks and business relationships. Proper documentation, written contracts, and secure payment mechanisms are essential to prevent such disputes.”
He further added that some groups misuse commercial trust to obtain goods and later delay or deny payments, making recovery difficult for traders.
At present, police are continuing their probe and are expected to question the accused and examine financial records in detail. Authorities have also indicated that further legal action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and evidence collected in the coming days.
