Barwani, MP: The fugitive accused who duped a Barwani trader of ₹5.64 lakh by offering red chilli at unusually low prices has finally been arrested after 20 months. Identified as Somnath Kagal, the conman was hiding in Hubballi, Karnataka—over 1,000 kilometres from Barwani—living under a fake identity.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to B.S. Bisen, Station House Officer of Sendhwa, the victim, a local trader, filed a complaint on 27 April 2024. He stated that Somnath, posing as the owner of “Om Traders, Guntur (Andhra Pradesh),” lured him with an attractive offer of premium red chilli at discounted rates.
Somnath shared photographs of chilli consignments and convinced the trader to finalise the deal. Trusting the offer, the victim transferred ₹5,64,500 into Somnath’s bank account on 14 and 15 February 2024.
However, when the trader called on 17 February to ask about the delivery vehicle, Somnath’s phone was found switched off. No consignment was ever dispatched.
A Well-Planned Deception
Investigations revealed that Somnath had used social media platforms to target traders. After receiving the payment, he disappeared, severing all contact. Police soon learned that he had been absconding for nearly 20 months and had shifted to Hubballi, Karnataka, where he continued to pose as a spice trader dealing in chilli and turmeric.
Police Announce Reward, Launch Technical Probe
Given the severity of the fraud, Barwani Superintendent of Police Jagdish Dawar placed a reward of ₹2,000 on Somnath’s arrest. A dedicated police team, led by Inspector Baljit Singh Bisen, conducted an extensive technical investigation.
By analysing digital footprints and tracing mobile and financial activity, the team discovered that Somnath had been operating under multiple identities in Karnataka for nearly 18 months.
Arrested After Tracking Location 1,000 km Away
Based on technical inputs and precise location tracking, the Sendhwa police team travelled over 1,000 km to Dharwad district in Karnataka, where they finally apprehended Somnath Kagal.
He was produced before the Sendhwa court, which remanded him to judicial custody. Police officials said they are now probing whether Somnath carried out similar frauds in other states.
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