The Odisha Protection of Interests of Depositors (OPID) Court in Balasore on Wednesday sentenced Nabeel Abdul Mubin Shaikh to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for a Rs 1.2 crore Haj pilgrimage fraud.
The court found Shaikh guilty under IPC sections 420, 406, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B, and sentenced him to pay a fine of Rs 2.75 lakh. In case of non-payment of the fine, he will undergo an additional 15 months in prison.
The case was registered on September 12, 2024, based on a complaint filed by Mir Khursid from Kazimahala, Bhadrak district. The Economic Offences Wing charged Shaikh and others from the ‘AlAdam Tour & Travels’ agency for cheating 189 devotees by collecting Rs 45,786 to Rs 50,786 each for UMRAH pilgrimage packages between 2019 and 2023. However, the accused neither facilitated the pilgrimage nor refunded the collected amounts.
Along with Shaikh, the proprietors Firdos Bi Abdul Mubin Shaikh (mother), Saima Anjum Shaikh (sister), and partner Md. Bismillah Shaikh of ‘Al-Izma Tours & Travels’ were implicated in the scam. The accused floated attractive advertisements and leaflets promising secure, affordable pilgrimage trips, which induced victims from Odisha’s Bhadrak, Balasore, Baripada, and surrounding areas.
Despite payments made through bank transfers, UPI, and cash, the agency ceased operations by mid-2023, disconnecting all contact with the victims. Attempts to obtain refunds failed as issued cheques were dishonored, and the accused could not be located.
This case marked a speedy trial, concluding just over six months from registration and three months post charge sheet submission.
The investigation was conducted by Inspector Tapas Ranjan Sahu, and the prosecution was led by Special PP Pranab Kumar Panda at the OPID Court, Balasore.
