The Supreme Court has directed the Commissioner of Police in Gurugram to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a land scam that allegedly defrauded an elderly NRI couple. The Court's decision came as part of its efforts to address land scams in India, which have led to financial losses for individuals, disrupted development projects, eroded public trust, and hindered socio-economic progress.
In the case at hand, the Apex Court cancelled the anticipatory bail granted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to a person accused of fabricating documents to unlawfully acquire land worth over Rs 60 crore from the NRI couple in Gurugram. The Court emphasized the need to strike a balance between personal liberty and the interests of justice.
The newly formed SIT, headed by a DSP-rank officer and comprising two inspectors, has been given two months to complete the investigation. The Commissioner of Police in Gurugram will personally oversee the day-to-day progress of the inquiry.
The Court expressed concerns about the conduct of land registration officials involved in the case, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of their actions. It also granted the SIT the authority to subject the accused, buyers, and officials at the Sub-Registrar's office to custodial interrogation, if required, to ensure a thorough investigation.
The Supreme Court expanded the scope of the inquiry to include verifying allegedly forged General Power of Attorney documents registered at the office of the Sub Registrar in Kalkaji, New Delhi in 1996. It restrained the civil court from passing any orders that may obstruct the ongoing investigation and called on authorities in Delhi to cooperate with the verification process.
Land scams in India have been a persistent issue, with criminals exploiting vulnerable individuals and communities through fraudulent practices and illegal activities related to land acquisition, ownership, and transactions. The Court highlighted the detrimental impact of such scams on society and stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law.
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