Authorities close shop in Sopore, begins probe; Owner says ready to cooperate, terms allegations baseless

Sopore, Dec 11: Authorities in north Kashmir’s Sopore temporarily closed a shop over the alleged fraud of sale of Geysers, saying that an enquiry has been initiated in this regard.

“Old and repaired geysers were sold to them,” the people claimed while talking to the news agency. People staged a protest outside the shop, claiming fraud by the outlet owner.

The allegations levelled against the shop owner would be thoroughly investigated, I/C Tehslidar Khoie, Zeeshan Khan as per KNO said, adding that there will be a proper verification of the sales (selling products on discount rates) in order to prevent people from falling prey to the frauds.

Thorough investigations would be conducted and after reviewing business guidelines, appropriate and necessary legal action will be taken against the outlet owner if found guilty, a senior police officer at the protest site assured the people, who were demanding action against the owner.

“We were sold a second-hand product, despite the outlet owner claiming a mega sale. It’s a fraud, how can a person be so cheap with the innocent people,” a customer who had come from Bandipora said.

Urging the administration to act against the alleged fraudulent outlet owner, the agitated customers said that they were befooled on the pretext of a mega sale.

However, the outlet owner termed the allegations as baseless, and said he is ready to cooperate with the authorities in the investigation. “It’s not a fraudulent transaction but a legitimate business sale,” he said.

I have guaranteed the people a 5-years warranty. Those who claim to have an old and repaired geyser will be refunded, he said, adding that due to large customer rush, they not only damaged the property but also severely hit his business.

Notably, a video went viral on social media wherein a commercial outlet at Hygam in Sopore outskirts had announced a mega sale on geysers with more than 50% sale besides, a special sale for the marginalized section of the society and those possessing the BPL ration cards.(KNO)