PANAJI
In a setback to the investigation into land grab cases, the JMFC Mapusa has granted conditional bail to Mohammed Suhail, accused in multiple land fraud and cheating cases, including one from 2022.
JMFC Akshata Kale allowed Suhail’s release on a personal bond of Rs 20,000 with a surety of the same amount, with strict conditions to ensure cooperation with the investigation.
Suhail was arrested on June 20 in Quepem after evading the Crime Branch for months by frequently changing his location. The prosecution opposed bail, arguing Suhail had no permanent address in Goa and could abscond, also claiming he might return to illegal land deals.
The defence argued that the main accused, Sandric, had not been arrested even after two years and that Suhail had followed bail conditions in other cases and would cooperate.
The court noted that except for the Section 420 IPC offence, other charges were bailable and that the presumption of innocence was in Suhail’s favour. Suhail must report to the Crime Branch for seven days, not tamper with evidence, contact witnesses, or leave Goa without court permission, and was warned against similar offences while on bail.
