Special Crime Wing Unmasks ₹12.5 Lakh Land Scam in Jammu

Jammu, Feb 21:

In a significant crackdown on property-related fraud, the Special Crime Wing (SCW) of the Crime Branch Jammu officially filed a charge-sheet today against a local man accused of orchestrating a fraudulent land deal.

The legal action follows a detailed investigation into the activities of Rajinder Singh Manhas, a resident of Purkhoo Domana, who allegedly sold land he never actually owned.

The Anatomy of the Fraud

The case, registered under FIR No. 13/2024, dates back to an agreement made in April 2022. Here is how the deception unfolded:

• The Agreement: The accused entered into an “Agreement to Sell” for a 5-marla plot located in Revenue Village Purkhoo Garhi.

• The Price Tag: The total sale consideration was fixed at ₹12,50,000.

• The Hook: Manhas successfully convinced the complainant to pay an upfront advance of ₹2,00,000.

• The Reveal: When the time came to execute the formal sale deed, the accused stalled. Subsequent checks revealed that Manhas held zero legal title or ownership over the property in question.

The Investigation: Forensic & Financial Trails

The SCW investigation, led by Inspector Deepak Bharti, utilized a multi-pronged approach to solidify the case:

1. Bank Records: Investigators tracked the financial transaction of the ₹2 lakh advance through formal banking channels.

2. Revenue Verification: Authorities confirmed through official land records that the property was never registered in the name of the accused.

3. Forensic Evidence: Handwriting and document analysis corroborated that the accused had indeed signed and executed the fraudulent agreement.

“The investigation proved that the accused had no legal right to the land he was attempting to sell. We have now moved the case to the competent court for trial.” — SCW Statement

Public Advisory: Protect Your Savings

Following the filing of the charge-sheet, SSP SCW Jammu, Sh. Sanjay Parihar, issued a stern warning to the public regarding real estate transactions.

Key Safety Tips for Property Buyers:

• Verify the Title: Always check revenue records to ensure the seller is the recorded owner.

• Don’t Rush the Advance: Avoid paying significant sums of “hard-earned money” before legal verification is complete.

• Vetting the Individual: Perform a basic character and background check on the seller or broker before signing any documents.