PANAJI
The fugitive land fraudster, Suleman Siddiqui Khan, who has earned notoriety not just for his criminal ingenuity but also for his ability to disguise himself -- even adopting the appearance of a woman to outwit the police -- is at the centre of a growing controversy.
Details with The Goan reveal that Suleman is implicated in eight cases across Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad including charges of murder, attempted murder and criminal conspiracy, making his daring escape on December 13 a major setback for investigation teams pursuing him.
This audacious getaway, in collusion with ex-IRB constable Amit Naik and possibly others, is under disciplinary and criminal probe.
It was over two months ago on October 7, the Mapusa Municipal Council under strict police protection demolished illegally constructed structures linked to Suleman’s land-grabbing cases. These were built on properties Suleman allegedly fraudulently acquired by impersonating lawful owners and forging documents, in connivance with others including those in government service.
One of many cases against him was in 2020, involving a plot in Mapusa wherein Suleman purportedly used counterfeit stamps and forged documents to transfer ownership to cheat the rightful owners. Arrested on November 12 from Hubli by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) (Land Grab), it was seen as a breakthrough. However, his escape from the very custody of Goa Police has left many questions unanswered.
The extent of Suleman’s fraudulent activities is shocking. In 2021, he was implicated in another land-grab case, where he and his accomplices allegedly forged documents to claim ancestral properties in Goalim-Moula, Tiswadi illegally. These properties -- spanning a combined area of over 2.15 lakh square metres and collectively known as “Kot-Pot” “ also followed the same modus operandi. He was re-arrested for this offense 12 days after his first arrest.
Sources said that Suleman’s modus operandi reveals he is a meticulous planner who constantly evaded the police. Using multiple aliases, changing his appearance including posing as a woman and frequently switching contact numbers, Suleman moved across states after committing each offense. He even relied on inter-state taxi services to maintain a low profile during travels.
The absconder faces seven cases in Goa, with A-Final reports filed in two. He is also booked in two cases registered at Narsingi and Raidurgam police stations in Telangana, as well as one at Greater Kailash police station in Delhi.
