Scrap trader alleges ₹1.1 crore fraud in tender deal, three booked for cheating

A scrap trader from Ahmedabad has accused three business associates of cheating him of more than ₹1.10 crore on the pretext of securing scrap procurement tenders from private companies, case registered at Shahibaug police.

Rakeshbhai Pravinbhai Patni (29), proprietor of Shrikalika Enterprise, alleged that the accused persuaded him to invest large sums of money between August 2021 and August 2022 by claiming that the funds were required to secure scrap tenders from companies, including Indus Tower and Suzlon Pvt. Ltd.

The accused have been identified as Mukeshbhai Dinaji Thakor, proprietor of Tanupari Scrap Traders in Asarwa, Jubin Barot, proprietor of Jai Ambe Scrap Traders and a resident of Bapunagar, and Tejas Rajendrabhai Patel, a resident of Shahibaug.

Patni, who operates a scrap trading business under the name Shrikalika Enterprise, stated that he was introduced to Mukesh Thakor through a mutual acquaintance. According to the complaint, Thakor represented that he and his partners were engaged in the scrap business and required financial assistance to secure tenders for the purchase of scrap materials from major companies.

The complainant alleged that he was assured a profitable business arrangement under which the accused would supply him with scrap material procured through the tenders. Believing the representations, he transferred substantial amounts to various bank accounts linked to the accused.

Between August 2021 and August 2022, Patni transferred approximately ₹89.12 lakh through online transactions to bank accounts associated with the accused and their businesses. In addition, he allegedly handed over ₹25 lakh in cash to Mukesh Thakor on different occasions in the presence of a relative.

The total amount paid by the complainant is stated to be ₹1.14 crore, of which only ₹3.30 lakh was allegedly returned.

Patni alleged that despite repeated assurances, the promised scrap material was never supplied. Upon making inquiries, he allegedly discovered that scrap purchased from the companies had been sold to other parties. When he sought repayment of his money, the accused allegedly avoided him and stopped responding to his calls.

The complainant later learnt that two of the accused were no longer residing at the addresses previously provided to him.

Based on the complaint, Shahibaug police have registered a case alleging criminal breach of trust, cheating and conspiracy. Investigators are examining the financial transactions, bank records and business dealings connected to the alleged fraud.

Police officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the flow of funds and determine the role of each accused in the alleged scam. No arrests had been reported at the time of filing.