Investigators await CFSL findings that could reveal the role of an additional accused linked to Suleman
PANAJI
The North Goa Additional Sessions Court, Merces, has granted the Special Investigation Team (Land Grabbing) an additional two months to continue its probe into an alleged land grab and forgery case of a disputed property in Mapusa against Suleman Siddique Khan and his accomplices.
The Court allowed an application filed by the SIT seeking extension of time while explaining that several investigative steps had been undertaken, including the collection of records from banks, government departments and private individuals, examination of a mutation file and original deed volume, and recording statements of five material witnesses.
The investigating agency stated that crucial documents were forwarded to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Pune, for examination, but the forensic report was still awaited despite a reminder sent earlier this month.
“The said report is crucial for identifying possible involvement of additional accused persons and determining the role of any public servants who may have actively participated in or facilitated the commission of the offence,” the SIT submitted before the court.
The SIT further argued that the investigation was far from complete and that additional time was required to verify the authenticity of seized documents, trace the chain of custody of the allegedly forged records, examine banking transactions, establish possible conspiracy links and identify any co-conspirators who may emerge from forensic and financial analysis.
It also told the court that information sought from various banks and other witnesses had been received only recently and required scrutiny as part of the ongoing probe.
Maintaining that the objective of further investigation was to uncover the truth and ensure justice, the SIT sought a fresh two-month extension, which the court granted.
“In view of the facts and circumstances narrated here, I find that grounds have been made out warranting further investigation. Hence, the application allowed,” the court observed in its order.
The case pertains to a complaint lodged in September 2020 by the Civil Registrar-cum-Sub Registrar of Bardez, alleging that unknown persons had prepared a forged sale deed by impersonating the lawful owners of a property surveyed under Chalta No. 2 of PT Sheet No. 67 in Mapusa.
According to the SIT, the accused allegedly used a counterfeit stamp of the Civil Registrar-cum-Sub Registrar's office and fraudulently presented forged documents before the Land and Survey Records department to obtain transfer of ownership rights.
