Hyderabad dealers duped of Rs 60 lakh

Monday blues got a shade darker for computer dealers in the twin cities of
Hyderabad-Secunderabad. On July 5 some of the premier resellers woke up to the news of being duped of products estimated to be worth Rs 60 lakh and the
figure is likely to touch Rs one crore as the case unravels. Bethel Charitable Trust front-ended by Dennis Jacob and Alexander bought
computers, fax machines and cellphones from the dealers stating that the Trust is involved in social service and will be using the equipment for the
benefit of youth. The resellers discovered that they have been duped only when the cheques drawn on HSBC for the purchases made by the Trust went for
realization in the clearing on July 5. So far six cases have been registered against the Trust and its employees at the Sanjeev Reddy Nagar Police
Station.

The affected group of dealers including S V Electronics, Sara Infoway, 21st Century, Total Power Solutions are doing the
rounds of the police station with a representation to the commissioner RP Singh and pulling all strings
in an effort to bring the culprits to book. The investigations are on and it might be a while before the real picture emerges. "However, it appears like
a well-executed gang operation," said KVR Menon of Orient Computers.

The Twin Cities Computer Dealers' Association (TCCDA) is moving fast on the issue and has circulated the news in the
market to check and crosscheck all goods that come for resale. "Still, the concern is - these goods can easily
be transported and sold in Bangalore or Chennai market and there is no way one can alert all channel partners in South India," he added. 

A duping case of such impact has struck Hyderabad after a gap of two years. 

The Christian Trust front ruse was difficult to see through, said the dealers. The Trust was operating from a furnished decent
office in Sanjeev Reddy Nagar - which was found vacant on July 5 with no whereabouts of
culprits. At this point of time it is difficult to deduce if the goods can be traced back meanwhile Hyderabad dealers are back to being cautious. All
big orders will go through the microscope now. 

CyberMedia News

Hyderabad