The Deceptive Scheme
The land-grabbing cases that transpired between 2022 and 2024 in Vijayapura district involved a complex scheme using fraudulent Aadhaar cards. Criminals
created fake identities to illegally acquire land, often targeting vulnerable landowners. They meticulously forged documents and enlisted the help of complicit individuals to carry out their scheme. This comprehensive investigation shows the depth of the fraud and the determined efforts to counter it.
Modus Operandi Unveiled
The criminals operated with a clear methodology, as revealed by the investigation. They employed agents and bond writers who received commissions for selling land and collected detailed information on land parcels and their associated documentation. Their primary targets were often elderly, isolated, or absent landowners. These criminals would then employ fake sellers with fabricated Aadhaar cards. If a sale was unsuccessful, the land was shifted to a group member and later sold to other parties. Complicity within sub-registrar offices, including bond writers who aided in preparing fraudulent purchase documents, further facilitated the fraud. Fake landowners were sourced from various villages and provided with fake Aadhaar cards. Members of the gang would then sign as witnesses on the purchase documents, carefully ensuring that the fake owners did not reside at the provided addresses or visit the villages.
Scale of the Fraud
The scale of the fraud was significant, with 27 cases registered between 2022 and 2024. The special investigative team, under the direction of Ramanagouda Hatti, Additional SP, managed to solve 25 out of these 27 cases. Landowners lost over 158.1 acres of land and nine NA plots as a result of the scam. The police filed charges against 200 accused individuals, and the rightful landowners regained possession of their property. While a 'B report' was submitted to the court in two cases, the majority saw justice served.
Key Players Exposed
Several individuals were identified as key players in these land-grabbing cases. These included Sudhakar, Bhimray, Sudhakar Charate, Kashinath Rathod, Dattatreya Shivasharan, and Nagappa Kolkar (bond writers), as well as Rafiq Abdul Latif, Baburao Gangappa, and Bapu Dondiba. Their involvement in multiple cases underscores the coordinated nature of the fraud and their roles in facilitating the illegal activities. The police investigation meticulously pieced together the network of individuals involved in the scam, leading to charges against these key participants and numerous others.
Legal & Judicial Outcomes
The investigation concluded, with the final report submitted to the court. The successful resolution of the majority of the cases and the recovery of the stolen land signify a significant victory for the law enforcement agencies and the justice system. The recovery of the lands and the filing of charges against the accused are a testament to the comprehensive nature of the investigation and the commitment to justice. The efforts of the officers and staff involved were commended for their dedication and hard work in solving these complex cases, highlighting the importance of diligent investigation and the pursuit of justice.
