Srinagar, Oct 14: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against a Kupwara resident accused of defrauding insurance policyholders by diverting their payments into personal bank accounts.
The chargesheet, submitted before the Sub-Judge’s Court in Kupwara, names Salim Akbar, a resident of Hyhama Batapora, presently living in Malpora Nagri Hatmullah, as the main accused in the case.
Officials said the case stemmed from a complaint lodged at Police Post Dragmulla, alleging that Akbar had engaged in fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting insurance customers. A preliminary inquiry revealed that the accused, a former tele-caller with reputed insurance firms such as Max Life Insurance and Aditya Birla Sun Life, had collected policy instalments from clients and redirected the money into bank accounts of his choosing, without company authorization.
Investigations also suggested that Akbar, along with accomplices, ran a coordinated scam involving cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Following the inquiry, an FIR was registered at Police Station Kupwara in 2023 under Section 420 of the IPC and Section 66D of the IT Act, and the investigation was later transferred to the Crime Branch, Srinagar.
The EOW said the chargesheet represents a key step toward ensuring accountability in white-collar crimes and protecting citizens from financial fraud. (Agencies)
