Nagpur: A 59-year-old farmer from Nagpur allegedly became the target of a fraud involving a fake liquor shop licence offered for sale for ₹8 crore. Sonegaon police have registered a case against a 65-year-old man from Parbhani in connection with the alleged attempted fraud.

According to the complaint filed by Dilip Baburao Suryavanshi (59), a resident of Somalwada, he had earlier been involved in the transport business, including the supply of liquor. He wanted to set up liquor shops for his two sons but was unable to obtain new licences. He therefore decided to purchase existing licences.

Through his friend, Kumar Raut (40), of Dighori Chowk, Suryavanshi allegedly came in contact with Rohidas Karbaji Gaikwad (65) of Parbhani. Gaikwad reportedly claimed that he had a liquor shop licence for sale and showed Suryavanshi a licence document.

The alleged deal was finalised for ₹8 crore, with ₹4 crore to be paid in cash and the remaining amount through cheques. When Suryavanshi sought a copy of the original licence, Gaikwad allegedly claimed that it had been deposited at the licence office and provided a photocopy.

Suryavanshi subsequently verified the document with the Excise Department and allegedly discovered that it was fake. He later called Gaikwad to Nagpur under the pretext of finalising the deal and informed Sonegaon police, who initiated action.

Police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are investigating the alleged fraud.