Ranchi: A case of alleged fraud involving a fake coal supply deal worth ₹30 lakh has been registered in Ranchi after businessmen were reportedly duped on the promise of delivering coal. The complaint, filed by directors of Hari Carbon Energy and Minerals operating from Getlatu, led to an FIR at the Mesra OP police station. Several individuals from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been named in the case.
Coal Delivery Deal Failed
According to the FIR, the dispute relates to a coal supply agreement for one rake of coal that was scheduled to be transported from Morwa siding to Arya Iron and Steel Company located in Barbil, Odisha. The deal was reportedly finalised after completion of necessary documentation, following which the complainants transferred ₹30 lakh as advance payment.
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The complaint states that despite receiving the payment, the accused failed to deliver the coal within the agreed timeframe. Repeated delays and unsatisfactory responses from the other side eventually raised suspicion, prompting the complainants to verify the authenticity of the transaction. It was then alleged that the promised supply never materialised.
Threats Alleged After Refund Demand
The situation escalated further when the complainants attempted to recover their money. They have alleged that instead of refunding the amount, the accused issued threats of serious harm, which further aggravated the dispute and led to the filing of a formal police complaint.
Police have named Shivshankar Mishra and Kalpana Mishra, directors of SK Shivans Establizer, based in Madhubani, Bihar, along with Avinash Gupta as accused in the case. Investigators have also noted that Shivshankar Mishra and Kalpana Mishra are residents of the Assi Ghat area near Panchmukhi Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Interstate Network Under Probe
Preliminary investigation suggests that the case may be part of a larger organised fraud involving fake coal trading agreements. Officials believe that forged contracts and false commitments may have been used to collect advance payments from multiple parties under the guise of legitimate supply arrangements.
The complainant has also claimed additional expenses of nearly ₹5 lakh incurred in connection with coordination and operational arrangements for the coal supply deal, which ultimately did not materialise. This has further increased the total financial loss suffered in the alleged scam.
Police officials stated that the case has been registered under charges related to cheating and criminal intimidation. Investigation is currently underway, and authorities are examining bank transactions, call detail records, and relevant documentation to trace the flow of money and communication between the parties involved.
Financial Trail Being Examined
Officials are also probing whether the accused group has previously been involved in similar coal supply frauds targeting other traders. The possibility of a wider interstate network engaged in repeated financial deception is being actively explored.
Law enforcement teams are currently attempting to trace the locations of the accused, and efforts are underway to bring them in for questioning. Authorities have indicated that arrests may follow once sufficient evidence is gathered.
The case has triggered concern among traders in the coal supply sector, with growing fears over fraudulent deals being executed under the guise of legitimate industrial contracts. Police have assured that strict action will be taken if a larger network is uncovered during the investigation.
Further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses and more financial and digital evidence is analysed.
