Ludhiana police have arrested a Japanese national wanted in connection with a Rs 61.6 lakh fraud case involving farm machinery. The accused, Munenori Ohta, was apprehended by the Dehlon police and is being brought from Delhi airport for formal arrest.
Details of the Fraud
The case was registered after Jagatsukh Industries Private Limited, an agricultural equipment manufacturing firm, alleged that the accused failed to return farm machinery worth Rs 61.6 lakh. The machinery was given to them in August 2023 on the condition that it would be returned after testing. However, the suspects did not return the equipment.
According to investigating officer Gurjot Singh, who is leading the team bringing the accused from the Delhi airport, Ohta will be formally arrested in due time. The case was registered under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.
Accused Identified
The accused include three Japanese nationals and two Indians: Munenori Ohta, Takayuki Saito, Toshio Kondo, Harmeet Singh, and Ritwique Das. All are senior functionaries of Maruyama Manufacturing India Private Limited, a Japanese company with a local office in Gurgaon.
Complainant Jagjit Singh stated that representatives of the accused company had contacted his firm, expressing interest in collaborating for agricultural development in remote areas of Punjab and Haryana. The machinery was issued for testing purposes, but the accused failed to return it.
Police Action
The Dehlon police registered the case and launched a manhunt for the accused. Ohta was apprehended at Delhi airport, and efforts are underway to arrest the other suspects. The police are also investigating whether similar frauds have been committed by the accused in other regions.
This case highlights the risks faced by businesses when dealing with unverified partners, especially in cross-border transactions. The police have urged other potential victims to come forward with information.
