Srinagar, Sep 27 : Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has arrested a long-absconding accused wanted in alleged multi-crore fraud.
In a handout to GNS, the CBK said that 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. He was arrested in compliance with the orders of the Hon’ble Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar.
A special team of the investigation agency 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 him. Despite efforts, the accused allegedly continued to evade detection and was reportedly using different identities, officials said.
The accused is involved in multiple cases registered with Crime Branch Kashmir. A total of five cases have been registered against him pertaining 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 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 connection with land transactions.
Investigation has further revealed allegations of fraud involving crores of rupees, committed in connivance with other accused persons. Pertinently, during the course of investigation, one Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar, resident of Jawalapora, Samson, Budgam, was arrested last week. He was found to be involved in the same case.
The arrest of Soom Nath Koul @ Brij Nath Bhat @ Hadi Nath Dhar @ Mohan Lal Dhar forms part of the ongoing investigation. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the complete extent of the alleged financial fraud, the land transactions involved, and the role of other persons allegedly connected with the offences.
The general public has been advised to remain vigilant against economic fraudsters and report any such incidents directly to SSP EOW Srinagar Abdul Waheed Shah on official email: [email protected].(GNS)
