Apple trader flees Kullu with commission agents’ Rs 34 lakh

A major alleged fraud has come to light in Kullu district, where an apple trader has reportedly disappeared without paying commission agents around Rs 34 lakh.

The accused trader has been identified as Harinder Sahni, a native of Vaishali, Bihar, who had been operating from the Patlikul vegetable market for the past three to four years. Having built trust among local commission agents over the years, Sahni allegedly took advantage of the goodwill to purchase large quantities of apples during the current season without making payments.

According to the Patlikul Vegetable Market Commission Agents’ Association, the trader fled after emptying his rented room and switching off his mobile phone. The matter came to light when commission agents attempted to deposit cheques issued by Sahni and found that his bank account did not have sufficient funds.

The financial impact on several shops is substantial. The defaulted amounts include Rs 15,49,289 owed to MCF Shop No. 12, Rs 11,51,762 to RFC Shop No. 16, Rs 2,30,162 to AFL Shop No. 6, Rs 2,14,480 to ASV Shop No. 18, and several other amounts ranging from Rs 21,238 to Rs 2,11,822 across various establishments.

Kunj Lal Thakur, president of the commission agents’ association, has lodged a complaint at the Patlikul police station, seeking a fair investigation and strict action against the accused. The association has urged the authorities to trace the trader and recover the dues, as the unpaid amounts directly affect growers who sold their produce in the market.

The case has caused concern among commission agents and local apple growers, as the alleged fraud could affect the entire marketing chain. The police confirmed that an FIR had been registered and an investigation was under way. The police are working to trace the accused trader and have assured that appropriate legal action will be taken against him.