Nagpur: Ganeshpeth police have registered a case against a couple from West Bengal for allegedly cheating a Gadchiroli-based trader of ₹40.78 lakh by failing to pay the outstanding amount for tendu leaves purchased on credit.

The accused have been identified as Abdul Kadir Sheikh (55) and his wife Dolinar Nesa Abdul Kadir Sheikh (53), residents of Murshidabad district in West Bengal.

The complaint was filed by Vinod Kavendra Poreddiwar (49), who runs Poreddiwar Firm Trading Company, a wholesale tendu leaf business. The firm's office is located near Ram Mandir, opposite Mayo Hospital on Central Avenue.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly established a business relationship with Poreddiwar and purchased tendu leaves worth ₹60.78 lakh on credit between January 2023 and July 2024.

The trader allegedly demanded payment several times after the agreed transactions. The couple subsequently paid ₹20 lakh, but allegedly failed to clear the remaining ₹40.78 lakh.

Police said the accused allegedly kept avoiding payment despite repeated demands, causing a financial loss to the complainant's firm while allegedly benefiting themselves.

Based on Poreddiwar's complaint, Ganeshpeth police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those pertaining to cheating and criminal breach of trust.

Police are examining the business transactions, payment records and other documents to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged deal and determine the exact role of the accused.