Cheater convicted 16 years after committing the offence

Srinagar, Jan 29 (UNI) The Court of Special Judge Anti Corruption, Kashmir, awarded two-year rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 30,000 to a person who cheated artisans some 16-years ago.

During 1990-92, a scheme was formulated by the State Financial Corporation (SFC) to sanction loans in favour of local artisans to start production of hand-made patto, embroidery items and carpets.

The SFC identified 44 beneficiaries and loan was sanctioned in their favour for an amount ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

However, convict Rustam Ali Khan alias Kanawaloo, posed himself as a supplier and cheated the beneficiaries and collected gratification of Rs 3000 from them for sanction of loan.

The beneficiaries neither received any loan money from SFC nor were they returned the money taken for sanction of the loan by Khan.

The sanctioned loan was received by the said accused in league with employees of the SFC Kupwara through fraudulent means.

While Khan has been convicted in the case, the court acquitted other three officials of State Financial Corporation(SFC) Nazir Ahmad Lone, District Manager SFC Kupwara, Abdul Rashid Mir Supervisor SFC Kupwara and Ali Mohammad Khan Deputy General Manager, SFC giving them benefit of doubt.

In case of default in payment of fine, Khan will have to undergo imprisonment for a period of six months.

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