Trader on Science City Road Duped of ₹6.34 Lakh After 12-Tonne Chana Deal

A trader dealing in grains and pulses from an office on Science City Road was allegedly cheated of ₹6.34 lakh after three men purchased 12,000 kg of chana from him, paid only 10% of the agreed amount and allegedly disappeared after taking delivery of the consignment in Mehsana. Bodakdev police have registered a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the three accused.

Two Cheques Issued for Balance Payment Bounce

The accused allegedly took delivery of the consignment at a warehouse in Mehsana and later issued two cheques towards the outstanding payment. Both cheques were returned unpaid due to a signature mismatch.

Buyers Arrived at Trader’s Office on May 17

According to the complaint filed by Deepakkumar Sheetaldas Meghani, who runs Nisika Import Export Pvt. Ltd. from the Dream Rise office near Hetarth Party Plot on Science City Road and resides in Maple Tree, Thaltej, Mehul Mahendrabhai Patel and Shailesh Ranchhodbhai Prajapati, residents of Jhundai village, approached his office on May 17.

The two allegedly introduced their associate Rupeshkumar Kiritbhai Prajapati, who runs a firm named Brahmani Enterprise. After inspecting the sample, they placed an order for 12,000 kg of chana.

₹75,000 Advance Paid Against ₹7.09 Lakh Bill

The total bill was ₹7.09 lakh, against which the accused allegedly deposited ₹75,000 as an advance. The complainant subsequently arranged for the chana to be transported by truck from a cold storage facility in Naroda GIDC to a warehouse at Sankalp Industrial Estate near Nugar Bypass in Mehsana.

Consignment Delivered on Promise of Next-Day Payment

Rupesh Prajapati allegedly accepted the consignment and promised to pay the remaining ₹6.34 lakh the following day.

However, despite allegedly giving assurances that the outstanding amount would be transferred through RTGS, the accused failed to make the payment. When the trader reached the warehouse, he allegedly found it completely empty.

Cheques From Two Banks Dishonoured

The two cheques sent by the accused through courier and porter services — one from Navnirman Co-operative Bank and the other from Utkarsh Small Finance Bank — were also dishonoured due to a mismatch in signatures.

Warehouse Allegedly Rented for Short Period

Police suspect that the accused may have taken the warehouse on rent for only a short period. The 12-tonne consignment was reportedly unloaded at around 9.15 pm and allegedly shifted to other vehicles within a few hours.

Trader Finds Warehouse Empty

By the time the trader reached the location, the warehouse was completely empty. The circumstances have raised suspicion that the accused allegedly planned the transaction in advance and used the name of the firm to carry out the fraud.

Bodakdev police are investigating the case and efforts are underway to trace the accused and determine the whereabouts of the consignment.