SRINAGAR: Authorities have apprehended a man accused in a significant land and property fraud case involving an estimated Rs 93 lakh, officials confirmed on Friday. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir executed the arrest of Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, a resident of Jawalapora, Samson Budgam, following a court order and warrant issued by the Sub-Judge Srinagar. Dar had reportedly been evading law enforcement for approximately one year and is reportedly implicated in multiple criminal proceedings.
The investigation into the alleged fraud commenced following a formal complaint lodged by a victim who claimed to have been defrauded of Rs 93 lakh by Dar, a land broker. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Dar allegedly operated in collusion with a co-accused identified as Soom Nath Koul, a resident of Karnataka and also associated with the Janipur area of Jammu. Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that the accused individuals purportedly offered for sale migrant land located in Drusu, Pulwama, along with 300 standing trees situated in Bijbehara. These transactions were reportedly facilitated through the use of forged agreements, according to official sources.
Further details emerging from the inquiry reveal a sophisticated method employed to siphon off the defrauded funds. A bank account, allegedly used as a conduit for the illicit money, was reportedly opened on the precise day the financial transfers were made, suggesting a pre-planned execution of the scam. The modus operandi, as detailed by officials, involved the duo targeting unsuspecting individuals by making false promises of selling them migrant properties. They allegedly presented themselves as either attorney holders or legitimate owners of the properties in question, thereby duping gullible buyers.
The case highlights a growing concern over financial crimes involving property transactions in the region. The EOW’s successful apprehension of Dar marks a significant step in their efforts to curb such fraudulent activities. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on tracing the full extent of the financial network and recovering the defrauded amounts. The involvement of forged documents and the alleged collaboration between individuals from different regions suggest a complex criminal enterprise. The swift action by the Crime Branch underscores their commitment to ensuring financial security and upholding the integrity of property dealings.
Meanwhile, a ‘hue and cry notice’ remains active for the absconding co-accused, Koul, as authorities intensify efforts to locate and apprehend him. The notice signifies that Koul is a wanted individual, and the public is urged to report any information regarding his whereabouts. The successful prosecution of such cases is crucial for restoring public confidence in the real estate market and deterring future criminal endeavors. The Economic Offences Wing continues to pursue all leads to bring all individuals involved in this multi-lakh financial cheating case to justice. The complexities of the case, involving forged agreements and a targeted approach to defraud victims, necessitate a thorough and meticulous investigation to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable. The recovery of the Rs 93 lakh is a primary objective for the investigating agency, alongside ensuring that justice is served for the victim(s) involved.
The arrest of Dar after a year of evasion is a testament to the persistent efforts of the Crime Branch Kashmir. The agency has been actively working to track down individuals involved in financial crimes, particularly those that cause significant financial distress to victims. The nature of the fraud, involving the sale of migrant land and standing trees, points towards a specific exploitation of vulnerable assets and potentially vulnerable sellers or buyers. The forged agreements are central to the prosecution’s case, and their authenticity and origin are under intense scrutiny. The opening of a dedicated bank account on the day of the transfer further strengthens the suspicion of a meticulously planned operation designed to facilitate the immediate movement and concealment of the defrauded funds.
The ongoing investigation aims to unravel the entire network of individuals involved in this scheme. The collaboration between Dar and Koul, with Koul reportedly based in Karnataka and Jammu, suggests a potential interstate dimension to the fraud. This aspect adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, requiring coordination between different law enforcement agencies. The success of the EOW in apprehending Dar, despite his year-long evasion, provides a glimmer of hope for the victim(s) and signals a strong stance against financial malfeasance in the region. The focus now shifts to locating Koul and piecing together all the evidence to build a robust case against both accused individuals. The financial implications of the fraud, amounting to Rs 93 lakh, underscore the severity of the crime and the need for a comprehensive resolution that includes asset recovery and criminal accountability. The Crime Branch Kashmir’s dedication to pursuing such cases is vital for maintaining trust and security within the financial and property sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.