Ahmedabad: A solar project contractor has been booked by Sector 7 police in Gandhinagar for allegedly cheating a housing society by accepting advance payments for a solar power project, failing to complete the work, and issuing cheques that were later dishonoured. The complaint was filed by a retired engineer and executive committee member of Siddharth Residency Co-operative Housing Society in New Vavol, Gandhinagar.
According to the FIR filed with Sector-7 police, the society had earlier engaged a contractor from Ahmedabad for borewell pump-related work. Satisfied with his work, society members considered his proposal when they decided to install a solar power system. The complaint states that in April 2025, the society invited quotations from several vendors. The contractor's quotation of Rs 6.1 lakh was the lowest among the bids received. Based on society rules, the contractor was paid an advance amount after the work order was awarded.
Police said the society transferred Rs 3 lakh to him through RTGS transactions and cheques. Thereafter, Panchal allegedly erected a structure and installed a few pipes but did not install solar panels. When the society's office-bearers followed up, the contractor assured them that the work would be completed in no time. However, months passed without any progress. During inquiries with the electricity utility office at Kudasan, society representatives discovered that no application had been submitted to secure a solar connection for the society.
After demands for a refund, the contractor allegedly issued a cheque for Rs 2.3 lakh, which was dishonoured. He later provided a cheque for Rs 2.38 lakh from another bank account, but that bounced too.
The complainant alleged that despite repeated reminders and assurances, the contractor neither completed the solar project nor returned the outstanding amount of Rs 2.3 lakh. Based on the complaint and supporting documents, including bank records, quotations and cheque return memos, Sector 7 police registered a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the contractor and launched an investigation.
