EOW Kashmir arrests absconding accused in migrant property fraud cases

The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K has arrested an accused person, Soom Nath Koul, Son of Kalash Nath Koul, Resident of 22-Lotus Tower, Bangalore North, Karnataka, A/P Janipur, Jammu, in compliance with the orders of the Court of the Sub-Judge, Srinagar, EOW said on Sunday.

The accused was allegedly involved in multiple cases registered with Crime Branch Kashmir. A total of 5 cases have been registered against him, pertaining to allegations of cheating, forgery & land-related fraud involving migrant properties through fake Powers of Attorney & agreements to sell.

Arrest of Soom Nath Koul @ Brij Nath Bhat @ Hadi Nath Dhar @ Mohan Lal Dhar  forms part of the ongoing investigation into the above-mentioned cases. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the complete extent of the financial fraud, the land transactions involved.

A special team was constituted to execute the orders passed by the Court. The team, after sustained efforts and following due procedure, succeeded in tracing and apprehending the accused. The accused had remained absconding for several years.

During this period, Hue & Cry Notices were issued & published from time to time with the objective of tracing and identifying the accused. Despite sustained efforts to locate him, the accused allegedly continued to evade detection & was reportedly using different identities, EOW said.

During the 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.

Investigation has further revealed allegations of fraud involving crores of rupees committed in connivance with other accused persons. Pertinently, one Gh Mohi-Ud-Din Dar S/o Ab Khaliq Dar R/o Samson Budgam was arrested last week. He was found to be involved in the same case, EOW stated.