FIR AGAINST PALDEN RIGYAL BHUTIA AND UJJWAL PRATAP GAHATRAJ UNDER SECTIONS 316(4), 318(4) AND 3(5) OF THE BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITA (BNS), 2023
RISING SHOPPING COMPLEX, LAL BAZAAR, GANGTOK — A SUCCESS STORY BUILT BY LOCALS
An FIR has been registered concerning alleged irregularities in shop transactions and the handling of funds at Rising Shopping Complex, naming Palden Rigyal Bhutia, son of Palachu Bhutia, and Ujjwal Pratap Gahatraj, son of Hemant Kumar Gahatraj.
WHAT DO THE FIR SECTIONS MEAN?
* Section 316(4): Concerns criminal breach of trust.
* Section 318(4): Concerns cheating and dishonestly inducing someone to deliver money or property.
* Section 3(5): Concerns joint liability where several people act with a common intention.
These provisions have been invoked in the FIR. The allegations remain subject to investigation and due process of law.
QUESTIONS OVER ADDITIONAL SHOPS AND MISSING FUNDS
Rising Shopping Complex originally had 40 leased shops. Information available to me raises serious questions about transactions involving approximately 10–16 additional shops, particularly concerning the collection and handling of payments.
Shopkeepers payment record show that Bank payment and UPI payments have been routed to Palden Rigyal Bhutia’s own account, his friend’s account, accounts belonging to Ujjwal Pratap Gahatraj’s cousins, and accounts of their associates.
These matters require a thorough investigation to establish who collected the money, where it went, and whether all transactions were properly accounted for.
In the case of two shops purchased by Arun Kumar Gupta and his brother, Rising and I directly received less than half of the total amount paid. Where did the remaining money go? This question requires a clear, documented explanation.
According to the records available to me, the money relating to 16 shops has been unaccounted for. Any other discrepancies must also be examined.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Rising and I attempted to reconcile the accounts amicably. When we approached Palden Rigyal Bhutia, he told us to bring our lawyers. With the issues unresolved, we approached the appropriate legal authorities.
Public statements cannot replace proper accounting, documentary evidence, and transparency. The financial trail must establish who collected the money, where it was deposited, and who ultimately received it.
APPEAL TO AFFECTED SHOPKEEPERS
I appeal to anyone who has a grievance or unresolved financial issue concerning dealings with Palden Rigyal Bhutia or Ujjwal Pratap Gahatraj in connection with Rising Shopping Complex to contact me or the President of Rising Co-operative Services Limited.
Affected persons are requested to share relevant receipts, agreements, payment records, and other supporting documents so that their grievances can be properly examined.
Further FIRs from other affected shopkeepers are reportedly in the pipeline, according to information available to me.
OUR COMMITMENT
Rising Shopping Complex is a success story built by locals, for locals. It has created business opportunities and supported local entrepreneurs. We must protect this achievement through transparency, accountability, and proper financial management.
Our objective is simple: a fair investigation, proper accounting of funds, and accountability in accordance with the law.
– Tenzing Norsang Yapshi Yuthok
