SRINAGAR :In a major breakthrough, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has arrested a long-absconding accused involved in alleged multi-crore land fraud involving migrant properties.
The accused has been identified as Soom Nath Koul, son of Kalash Nath Koul, resident of 22-Lotus Tower, Bangalore North, Karnataka, presently residing at Janipur, Jammu.
Officials said the arrest was made in compliance with orders of the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar, in connection with multiple cases of cheating, forgery and land-related fraud.
A special team of EOW Kashmir was constituted to execute the court orders. After sustained efforts and following due procedure, the team succeeded in tracing and apprehending the accused, who had remained absconding for several years.
During this period, Hue and Cry notices were issued and published from time to time to trace the accused. Despite efforts, the accused allegedly continued to evade arrest by using different identities and changing locations.
According to Crime Branch, a total of five cases have been registered against the accused at Crime Branch Kashmir. The cases pertain to allegations of cheating, forgery and land-related fraud involving migrant properties through fake Powers of Attorney and agreements to sell.
In one of the cases, a chargesheet was filed against the accused in absentia under Section 512 CrPC.
During course of investigation, it emerged that the accused allegedly induced individuals to purchase land by representing himself under different identities including Soom Nath Koul, Brij Nath Bhat, Mohan Lal Dhar and Hadi Nath Dhar, and cheated them in land transactions.
The investigation has further revealed allegations of fraud involving crores of rupees committed in connivance with other accused persons.
Pertinently, last week, one Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar, resident of Jawalapora, Samson, Budgam, was also arrested by EOW. He was found to be involved in the same case.
Police said arrest of Soom Nath Koul alias Brij Nath Bhat alias Hadi Nath Dhar alias Mohan Lal Dhar forms part of ongoing investigation into above-mentioned cases. Further investigation is underway to ascertain complete extent of alleged financial fraud, land transactions involved and role of other persons allegedly connected with offences.
Meanwhile, the general public has been advised to remain vigilant against economic fraudsters and report any such incidents.
If any person has been victim of economic fraud, they can report directly to SSP EOW Srinagar (Crime Branch J&K) Abdul Waheed Shah or send complaint to official email: sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.
EOW Kashmir has reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved in land fraud and cheating cases, especially involving migrant properties.