INAD Return Help / Advice needed

[midnightretro]

I’ll try and keep this brief, any help or advice much appreciated !

So a few weeks ago I sold my PlayStation handheld to someone who subsequently opened an INAD case against me. From the photos they supplied it looks like they purposely damaged the packaging. Wanting to avoid dispute I had no choice but to accept the return, eBay sent them a return shipping label and they have posted the item.  However, I haven’t received the item back. 
Over the past two weeks the parcel has been 
bouncing between Gatwick, Bristol, Romford and my local delivery office but no delivery has been attempted! 
I spoke with Royal Mail this morning and apparently there is no shipping label on the parcel just a barcode that keeps getting scanned at random locations before being passed on!

If I don’t receive the item back will eBay still make me refund the buyer?

I feel like this is some sort of scam!

What should be my next move?

Thanks. 

[*vyolla*]

I'd just sit tight. eBay don't expect sellers to refund before they've received their item back - good that it was an eBay label too.

Is there a date showing in the return case by which the item is expected to be back with you? 

If tracking doesn't update to show that you have your item back, after 3 business days the case should close in your favour.

[midnightretro]

Thanks for reply, I think the date set for the buyer to return the item was by the 11th April, so just a few more days. 

Am I right in thinking that because eBay purchased the postage label then charged me that they’re responsible in the event of a claim ?