Srinagar, December 6: The Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) on Saturday said it has filed a chargesheet against a habitual offender in connection with a high-value Dubai export scam.
In a statement issued to GNS, the CBK said the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has submitted a chargesheet in Case FIR No. 31/2023 under Sections 420 and 120-B of the RPC before the Hon’ble Court of City Judge, Srinagar. The chargesheet names two accused, including habitual offender Zahid Bashir Sofi alias Shagoo, son of Bashir Ahmad, resident of House No. 2, Andrabi Colony, Narbal. As both accused remain absconding, the chargesheet has been filed in absentia under Section 512 CrPC.
Officials said Zahid Bashir Shagoo and his wife, Shagufta, have previously been implicated in multiple fraud cases, including Case FIR No. 21/2022 and Case FIR No. 13/2018, both related to the alleged extraction of money on the pretext of providing gas agency dealerships. Chargesheets in those cases were also filed in absentia under Section 512 CrPC after the couple evaded arrest.
According to the EOW, Shagoo’s repeated involvement in high-value fraud cases demonstrates a consistent pattern of alleged criminal conduct, causing considerable financial losses to victims. His continued evasion of law enforcement remains a serious concern.
The present case (FIR No. 31/2023) originated from a written complaint alleging that Zahid Bashir Sofi alias Shagoo deceitfully persuaded the complainant to invest in a purported export business involving mutton, rice, and other goods destined for Dubai.
Shagoo, in alleged collusion with co-accused Javeed Ahmad Shah, reportedly executed a well-planned scheme that included taking the complainant to Punjab to sign a forged agreement with “Mahabir Rice Mill”, Mahabir Solvent, Rice Market, GT Road, Karnal. He later accompanied the complainant to Dubai to create false credibility around the alleged venture. Based on these misrepresentations, the complainant invested ₹34,74,600, which was later found to have been misappropriated.
Investigations revealed the use of forged documents, fabricated agreements, and deliberate deception, establishing offences punishable under Sections 420 and 120-B of the RPC.
Accordingly, the chargesheet has been submitted before the Hon’ble Court for judicial determination.
The CBK has appealed to the public to share any information regarding the whereabouts of the accused, Zahid Bashir Shagoo, with the investigating agency. “The identity of the information provider will be kept confidential,” the statement added.
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