NAGPUR: The owner of Laxmi Dal Mill was allegedly cheated of ₹75.76 lakh by three persons who promised to install a cold storage facility at his mill but failed to deliver the machinery despite collecting money in instalments.

The complainant, Amitkant Anupji Motwani (41), a resident of Surya Nagar, owns a dal mill opposite Gangabai Ghat under the jurisdiction of Lakadganj Police Station.

According to the complaint, Narendra Maroti Kashivwar (49) contacted Motwani, claiming that his company, K.N. Refrigeration Private Limited, based in Somalwada, Nagpur, was engaged in cold storage projects. He subsequently met Motwani and proposed setting up a cold storage facility at his dal mill.

After Motwani sought a quotation, Kashivwar provided one, which was signed by both parties. On April 13, 2023, Kashivwar allegedly collected an advance payment of ₹21 lakh from Motwani for ordering cold storage machinery.

Subsequently, Narendra Kashivwar, his wife Ujjwala Narendra Kashivwar (41) and Rahul Purushottam Thakare (41), allegedly his business partners, collected a total of ₹75,76,222 from Motwani in instalments under the pretext of supplying and installing the machinery.

However, despite receiving the money, the accused allegedly failed to fulfil their commitment and continued giving false assurances, thereby causing financial losses to the complainant.

Following an inquiry, Lakadganj Police registered a case against all three accused under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.