Softmart accuses receptionist of defrauding

Just like charity begins at home, frauds now start in one's own company. This was what Softmart Solutions, has learnt. Says Alok Gupta, CEO, Softmart reveals, "I realized that my receptionist of three years, Archana, was diverting all my business to her own company, Kalyani Enterprises, without my knowledge. We had no inkling that she was running a company by that name" says a visibly shocked Alok. "Rajnikant Das, a software manager with Iris Computers, was her associate in this operation. He used to divert my business to their own company," he adds.

Gupta alleges that Archana, who would answer to all customer enquiries, would quote higher price for Softmart's products. She would then advise them to buy it from Kalayni Enterprises. However, the fact that this was her own company was not revealed to the customers. 

"This has indeed brought a bad name to our company in the last six months. We estimate that she must have diverted business worth Rs 30 to 40 lakh to Kalyani Enterprises," an enraged Gupta points out. He adds that this company functioned using a fraud sales tax number. "They would buy goods from other states and then sell them in Delhi.” 

When Archana was contacted, she refuted the allegation adding, "I challenge Alok to prove the charges." Talking to some of the parties who did business with Kalyani Enterprises did not shed much light on this issue. "We don't want to get involved in such matters," says one reseller. Yet another partner adds, "I don't want to make any comment on this matter as we have in not been harmed by the accused company. So why should I say anything?" 

KARMA NEGI

NEW DELHI