PANAJI
Mohammed Suhail alias Michael Fernandes, accused in a series of land grab cases, has been denied bail in two cases. The Additional Sessions Court at Merces said there is prima facie evidence linking him to alleged forgery and fraudulent transfer of property documents.
The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge-1 Bosco Roberts in cases registered by the Mapusa Police Station and the Special Investigation Team (land grab) of the Crime Branch.
Suhail is accused of dishonestly preparing forged documents to falsely show that the original complainants had sold their property to the ancestors of the main accused. The prosecution told the court that forged Portuguese-era documents were inserted into public records with the help of unknown officials from the Department of Archives. These were later used before the Mamlatdar’s office in Mapusa to secure mutation of the property in the names of the accused.
In his bail plea, Suhail claimed he was innocent and said there was no direct evidence linking him to the crime. The defence argued that all the evidence is documentary and already in the custody of the investigating agency, leaving little chance of tampering.
The defence also sought bail on the ground of parity, noting that some co-accused, including the main beneficiary, had already been granted bail. It was also stated that Suhail had attended hearings in other pending cases and had not violated bail conditions.
PROSECUTION FLAGS PAST CONDUCT
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the plea, calling him a “seasoned professional” in creating forged Portuguese documents. The investigating officer said Suhail had worked with some government officials to carry out the offences.
The prosecution claimed he was the mastermind and cited witness statements, including those of former employees, who said they had seen him preparing forged documents and receiving fake seals and stamps resembling those of government offices and a notary.
The court noted that fake seals and stamps were recovered during the probe. Government officers also reportedly said the seals shown to them did not belong to their offices.
A key factor against Suhail was his past conduct. The court noted that after being granted bail in another case, he had allegedly absconded and was re-arrested only after nearly one and a half years.
The court also said further investigation is still underway, and releasing him now could affect the probe or lead to tampering with evidence and witnesses. “I hereby reject the bail application,” the order said.
