The Economic Offences Wing has launched a fraud investigation against Shahid Rehman Bhat, owner of AR Trading Agri Services, for allegedly duping farmers of crores through false promises of high-density apple plant supplies. The Anantnag-based entrepreneur reportedly vanished after collecting advance payments without delivering any saplings.
Bank records submitted by victims show systematic fund diversion, with losses estimated in crores. The case, registered under Section 318(4) of BNS 2023, marks the third major agricultural scam in Kashmir this year. Authorities are tracing Bhat’s financial trail amid growing farmer distress over such fraudulent schemes. (Source: KNS)
