In a recent development, the Patiala House Court in Delhi has issued summonses to Bollywood icon Dharmendra and two others in connection with a fraud case involving the ‘Garam Dharam Dhaba’ franchise. The summonses, issued by Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Yashdeep Chahal, stem from a complaint filed by Delhi businessman Sushil Kumar, who alleges he was enticed to invest in the franchise.
The magistrate’s order, issued on December 5, highlights that the evidence on record prima facie indicates that the accused had collectively deceived the complainant to advance their common intention, revealing the substance of the alleged fraud. The court has directed that the accused be summoned under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 420 (cheating), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), with additional summons under Section 506 (criminal intimidation) for two of the accused.
The franchise in question, ‘Garam Dharam Dhaba,’ has reportedly been conducting business worth between 70 to 80 lakh rupees monthly, with branches in Delhi’s Connaught Place and Murthal, Haryana. According to the complaint, Kumar was promised a 7% profit on his investment of 41 lakh rupees and full support in setting up the franchise in Uttar Pradesh.
However, despite the execution of a letter of intent on September 22, 2018, and the transfer of 17.70 lakh rupees by check, the complainant claims there has been no progress, nor have the defendants inspected the purchased land or met with him. Kumar has repeatedly tried to contact the defendants, facing threats when attempting further communication. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 20, 2025, continuing the investigation into this high-profile case.
