Crime Branch arrests absconding accused in five land fraud cases

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NEWS AGENCY KASHMIR NEWS TRUST #KNT

Srinagar, Sep 27, KNT: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K, has arrested an absconding accused, Soom Nath Koul, son of Kalash Nath Koul, resident of 22-Lotus Tower, Bangalore North, Karnataka, presently residing at Janipur, Jammu, in compliance with the orders of the court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar.

A special team was constituted to execute the court orders and, after sustained efforts and following due procedure, traced and apprehended the accused, who had allegedly remained absconding for several years.

During this period, Hue and Cry Notices were issued and published from time to time to trace and identify him. The investigation agency said the accused allegedly continued to evade detection and was reportedly using different identities.

According to the investigation, the accused is involved in five cases registered with Crime Branch Kashmir relating to allegations of cheating, forgery and land-related fraud involving migrant properties through purported fake Powers of Attorney and agreements to sell. In one of the cases, a chargesheet was filed against him in absentia under Section 512 of the CrPC.

The investigation has alleged that Koul 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 connection with land transactions.

Investigators have further alleged that the fraud involved crores of rupees and was carried out in connivance with other accused persons.

During the investigation, Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar, resident of Jawalapora, Samson, Budgam, was arrested last week in connection with the same case, the agency said.

The arrest of Soom Nath Koul alias Brij Nath Bhat alias Hadi Nath Dhar alias Mohan Lal Dhar forms part of the ongoing investigation. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the alleged financial fraud, the land transactions involved and the role of other persons allegedly connected with the cases. [KNT]