Pune: A local court has sentenced a construction businessman to six months imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹20 lakh for failing to honor cheques issued to a senior citizen as part of a housing deal refund.

The judgment was delivered by Judicial Magistrate (First Class) V.P. Khandare.

The case involved a complaint filed by Sudhirsingh Madhavsingh Pardeshi, a senior citizen and resident of Kasba Peth.

According to the complaint, Pardeshi had paid ₹11 lakh to Sainath Associates, represented by businessman Vikas Chavan, over a period spanning 2006 to 2016 for the purchase of a flat. However, Chavan failed to deliver the promised flat.

In 2017, Chavan issued two cheques to Pardeshi as a refund for the amount paid. When Pardeshi deposited the cheques in his bank account, both were dishonored.

Seeking justice, Pardeshi filed a criminal complaint through Advocate Bilal Shaikh.

During the trial, Advocate Shaikh, supported by Advocates Wasim Pathan and Kedar Khopade, argued that Chavan's actions constituted a breach of trust and fraud.

Accepting the arguments, the court sentenced Chavan to six months of imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹20 lakh.