Surat : Man Arrested for Duping Traders with Fake FOSTTA Credentials

Surat, July 5, 2024 — In a significant crackdown, Eco Cell Police have arrested Kailash Kamalakant Shukla, a resident of Surat, for duping traders by posing as a member of the Federation of Surat Trade and Textile Association (FOSTTA). Shukla was found with a fake FOSTTA ID card, a Jagat 24 News press card, and counterfeit FOSTTA letterhead.

The arrest followed a tip-off from an alert trader who had fallen victim to Shukla's scam. According to G.A. Sarvaiya, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ECO Cell Crime Branch, Surat City, the accused had been extorting money from traders by impersonating a FOSTTA official over the past few days.

One such victim, Neerajkumar Ashwinikumar Goomar, a cloth trader originally from Haryana, reported being defrauded of Rs 40,000. Goomar, who has been doing business in Surat for the last three years, was approached by Shukla. Claiming to be a FOSTTA investigative officer, Shukla threatened Goomar with arrest and police brutality if he did not pay up.

Goomar, out of fear, handed over the money but later visited the FOSTTA office, only to discover that Shukla was not associated with the organization. Goomar promptly reported the fraud to the police. Following an investigation, the Eco Cell Police arrested Shukla from his residence at House No. 84, Shivdhara Residency, Jolva Panchayat, Kadodara District, Surat. The crime was registered at Saroli Police Station.

In response to the arrest, FOSTTA thanked the police for their swift action, stating that it would help preserve the association's reputation. FOSTTA also urged the police to continue their investigation to identify and apprehend any accomplices involved in the scam.

The police are currently pursuing further actions and have assured that any additional suspects linked to the case will be arrested soon.