NAGPUR: A 57-year-old businessman from Nagpur has lodged a complaint alleging that he was cheated of ₹20 lakh in a grape supply deal after a Mumbai-based broker allegedly collected money for purchasing, packaging and cold storage of grapes but failed to deliver the consignment.

The complainant, Rajendra Bhaiyyaji Ade (57), runs BGP Export Private Limited, a firm involved in procuring grains and other food products for export. He approached Lakadganj police after allegedly being defrauded by Prasanna Deshpande, a resident of Municipal Colony, Worli, Mumbai.

According to the complaint, Deshpande, who allegedly worked as a broker, approached Ade with a proposal for a grape transaction. He reportedly claimed that he owned a company named Diti Floor and gained the complainant’s confidence.

Believing the proposal to be genuine, Ade allegedly transferred a total of ₹23.06 lakh through RTGS for purchasing grapes and meeting packaging and cold-storage expenses.

However, the accused allegedly failed to deliver the grapes. When questioned, he reportedly claimed that the consignment had been sent to Maharaj Enterprises and that the firm would pay Ade. The accused allegedly gave evasive replies when asked to resolve the matter.

Deshpande subsequently issued a cheque from Balaji Trading Company, but it was dishonoured. He later transferred some money back to the complainant but allegedly failed to return the remaining ₹20 lakh.

Ade reportedly sent a legal notice to the accused through a lawyer, but it was returned undelivered. When the complainant visited the accused’s Mumbai residence, he could not find him. Further inquiries allegedly failed to establish the existence of the company claimed by the accused.

Based on the complaint, Lakadganj police registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.

Police are investigating the alleged fraud.