NAGPUR: Two directors of a Pune-based Infitech Group and Assure Group have been booked for allegedly cheating a Nagpur coal trader of ₹22.50 lakh by purchasing 300 metric tonnes of coal on credit and subsequently refusing to clear the payment.
The accused allegedly gained the trader’s confidence by claiming to operate a cement-brick manufacturing factory before disappearing from the business premises mentioned as their office address.
According to the complaint lodged by Vishal Yogesh Sugandh (42), who operates Pathik Coal Corporation from Plot No. 227 in Old Bagadganj, Shastri Nagar, he is engaged in the legitimate business of purchasing coal through government auctions and supplying it to industrial consumers.
The complainant alleged that the accused initially contacted him over the phone, claiming that they owned a cement-brick manufacturing factory and required coal for their business. In February 2025, they also visited his residential premises, where his firm’s office is located, and expressed satisfaction with the quality of the coal.
After gaining his confidence, the accused allegedly purchased around 300 metric tonnes of coal from him in multiple transactions between March 30 and June 13, 2025. The total value of the consignment amounted to ₹22,50,736.
However, despite receiving the coal, the accused allegedly failed to make the payment. Whenever the complainant contacted them seeking his money, they reportedly avoided his calls and repeatedly delayed payment.
When the complainant finally managed to speak to them, the second accused allegedly refused outright to pay the outstanding amount.
The trader subsequently visited the firm’s address provided by the accused but discovered that the office did not belong to them and was being operated by someone else. This raised suspicions that the accused had deliberately misled him and cheated him by purchasing coal without intending to pay.
The accused have been identified as Saurabh Ramesh Padwal (45) and Shubham Padwal (42), managing directors of Infitech Group and Assure Group, with addresses in Chinchwad, Pune.
Based on the complaint, Nandanvan police registered an offence under Sections 316, 318 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.
