In Ahmedabad’s Khokhra area, a shocking case of fraud has emerged involving a fruit vendor who was cheated out of ₹15.70 lakhs. The fraudsters lured the vendor with the promise of Iranian apples, but failed to deliver. The vendor, Vipul Agarwal, runs a fruit business called Fruit Centre near Anupam Cinema. The fraud began when he was approached by two men, Mazhar Khan Pathan from Mumbai and another businessman named Ashok Bhai. They convinced him that he could make a large profit by importing two containers of Iranian apples for ₹22.95 lakhs. This included a token payment of ₹5 lakhs.
After a few days, when the containers did not arrive, Vipul began to worry. He requested updates and was given excuses about delays at the Iranian port. Eventually, he was persuaded to pay an additional ₹17.95 lakhs. He handed over cash and his original passport for visa processing. However, when he later demanded his money back, he received a cheque that raised suspicions. The cheque had amounts written in different coloured inks and was not deposited successfully in the bank.
Eventually, when the promised containers still did not arrive, Vipul confronted Mazhar Khan in Mumbai and received only ₹5 lakhs back, while the rest of the money remained unaccounted for. The fraudsters then stopped answering his calls. Feeling cheated, Vipul filed a complaint with the Khokhra police station about the fraud of ₹15.70 lakhs. The police have registered a case against both Mazhar Khan Pathan and Ashok Bhai, and investigations are ongoing.
This incident highlights the risks that small business owners face when dealing with strangers in the trade. It serves as a warning to others in the fruit business to be cautious and verify the credibility of their partners before making large financial commitments. Fraud can occur in many forms, and vigilance is key to protecting oneself.
As the investigation proceeds, the police are taking steps to locate and apprehend the accused. Fraud cases like this can cause significant financial loss and stress, not only for the victims but also for their families and employees. Local authorities are advising business owners to conduct thorough background checks on potential partners and to be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
In conclusion, the case of Vipul Agarwal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution in business dealings. The Khokhra police are committed to resolving this case and ensuring justice for the victim. It is essential for the community to work together to prevent such incidents in the future and to support those who have fallen victim to fraud.
Leave a Reply