Thane: Two accused refused to pay more than Rs 51 lakh for dry fish

Thane: Uttan coastal police in Bhayandar have registered a case against a couple for committing fraud of over Rs 51 lakh by refusing to make payment after purchasing dry fish of different species in huge quantities from local fishermen.

However, no accused has been arrested yet. The process of registering an FIR against Zuber Khan and Sohail Khan under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) came after 56-year-old fisherman Joshwin Patil lodged a complaint that he was defrauded of Rs 2.41 lakh.

details of fraud

Patil was not alone; Similarly, 22 other women were defrauded of more than Rs 49 lakh. Both the accused are said to be natives of Uttar Pradesh and are currently living in Pali village near Uttan. However, they are now inaccessible.

In his complaint, Patil said that in order to gain the trust of local fishermen the duo apparently created an agency to purchase dry fish from them and made timely payments during the initial stages. However, despite continuing to purchase dry fish in huge quantities by issuing acknowledgment receipts, he stopped releasing payments.

He also issued fake checks and started avoiding debtors. At present, 23 women, including Patil, who have collectively lost over Rs 51.46 lakh, have come forward to lodge their complaint. However, the number of women cheated by both is said to be much higher.

Quaint fishing villages including Uttan, Pali, Dongri, Bhatte Bunder and Chowk are home to over 800 fishing boats in the region. Curing, drying and trading of fish is the only source of livelihood for most of the women living in these coastal areas. The FIR was registered on January 20 and further investigation was underway in the case.