SRINAGAR, August 2, 2025 : The Economic Offences Wing (EoW), formerly Crime Branch Kashmir, on Friday arrested Shahid Rehman Bhat, proprietor of M/S AR Trading Agri Services Pvt. Ltd., for his alleged involvement in a multi-crore rupee apple sapling scam.
Bhat, a resident of Shangus, Nowgam in Anantnag, was arrested following multiple complaints accusing him of duping individuals under the guise of supplying high-density apple plants. Victims claimed Bhat collected large sums but failed to deliver the promised saplings or refund the money, and later went into hiding.
Raids were conducted at several locations in Anantnag as part of the investigation. Bank records provided by complainants indicated Bhat had fraudulently collected crores of rupees from unsuspecting farmers.
His recent bail plea was rejected by the Additional Sessions Judge, Anantnag.
