Mumbai : The Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ordered a private surveyor to pay almost Rs five lakh to a partnership firm in suburban Mumbai for the loss incurred to the firm by way of breaking into the office and stealing cash. An accountant company had sent a surveyor to evaluate the assets of the firm. Soon after the evaluation was done, cash and other valuables were found missing from the firm.
The partnership firm in the business of distribution of durable branded items has its office at suburban Mumbai. The complainant states that when he went to open his shop one morning at the usual time he noticed that the lock of the shop and the main gate was collapsible. The office door locks were forcibly broken and the entry to the cash cabin was made. When the complainant checked the items and drawer, he observed that cash of Rs 4, 43, 367 kept in the cupboard was missing.
The complainant states that he had contacted a private company for a surveyor to evaluate the firm’s asset. The surveyor visited the premises and verified all records of purchase, sale, stock and cash collection. After all the verification of the records the surveyor had sent a letter to the complainant asking for submitting certain records belonging to the business.
The company had sent a questionnaire for necessary clarification and details of sale and purchase. The surveyor had also asked for submitting an audited balance sheet and explanation of cash kept in the safe.
The complainant had also reported the matter to Juhu Police Station. The complainant informed the incident to the private company and alleged indemnify loss of money by burglary, house breaking and robbery.
The Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed the private company to pay the loss of money Rs 4, 43, 367 to the complainant with the interest of 6 percent per annum from June 2010 which is the time of filing of the complaint. The forum has also directed the company to pay Rs 3,000 towards the cost of complaint.
Sonam Saigal
