Cheating case lodged against 'Just Dial'

The case was registered against the company, its MD Venkatachalam Subramani, directors Venkatachalam Krishnan, Ramani Iyyer and eight others for duping the owner of a parlour Madanmohan Khade here, police said.

According to police, Khade had tied up with the company for three months on trial basis.

"My client Khade also stated that if he liked the service, he may continue it. For three months service, Khade gave a cheque valued at Rs 6,618 on December 14 which got cleared in a few days," lawyer Rajesh Kakad said.

However, the company did not display 50 photos of the parlour on its site as promised and there was no improvement in the business, Kakad claimed.

"Khade decided to discontinue the company's service. Meanwhile, he noticed that Rs 8,861 has been deducted in different instalments from his account since January 2012. Without his knowledge, the Just Dial personnel had made him to sign on Electronic Clearing Service which allowed the amount to be deducted," Kakad said.

Khade approached Thane police who refused to register an FIR stating it was a civil matter, Kakad claimed, adding the matter was then taken to a court which last month directed the police to register an FIR against Just Dial and its management.

Meanwhile, rubbishing the allegations, Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the company Srinivas Koora told PTI, "It is purely a case of extortion and attempt to damage the image of the company and managing director. Khade's contract has been activated as per terms and conditions. Khade went to the police to complain against us but they dismissed his claims as he did not give valid reasons for the complaint. We also tried to contact him many times but he was not available."