Nagpur: Hudkeshwar Police have registered a case of fraud against a contractor who allegedly duped a petroleum products trader of Rs 1.96 crore under the pretext of business payments.

According to the complaint, Sparsh Bhau Gawande (27), a trader based in Indranagar, Narsala Road supplied petroleum products to Lokesh Infra Pvt Ltd in 2023. Sachin Sharma, the proprietor of Shri Shyam Enterprises and a sub-contractor for the company, placed multiple orders with Gawande amounting to Rs 1.92 crore between May 23 and August 27, 2023.

Initially, payments were made on time, which built Gawande’s trust. However, Sharma later defaulted on payments and even collected an additional Rs 4 lakh from Gawande, promising to release pending dues. Despite repeated demands, the accused neither cleared the dues nor returned the Rs 4 lakh.

Following an investigation, Hudkeshwar Police have registered a case under Sections 420, 406, 409, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. Further investigations are on.