SRINAGAR, SEPT 27: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has arrested long-absconding accused Soom Nath Koul, who allegedly operated under multiple identities while targeting migrant properties through purported fake Powers of Attorney and agreements to sell.
The arrest was made in compliance with the orders of the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar, after a special team constituted by EOW Kashmir traced and apprehended the accused following sustained efforts.
According to the Crime Branch, Koul had remained absconding for several years, during which Hue and Cry Notices were issued and published on multiple occasions to trace him. Investigators alleged that he continued to evade detection and used different identities during this period.
The accused, son of Kalash Nath Koul and a resident of 22-Lotus Tower, Bangalore North, Karnataka, presently residing at Janipur, Jammu, is facing five cases registered with Crime Branch Kashmir involving allegations of cheating, forgery and land-related fraud concerning migrant properties.
In one of these cases, a chargesheet was reportedly filed against him in absentia under Section 512 CrPC.
During investigation, the EOW allegedly found that the accused induced individuals to enter land transactions by presenting himself under different identities, including Soom Nath Koul, Brij Nath Bhat, Mohan Lal Dhar and Hadi Nath Dhar.
The investigation has further indicated alleged financial fraud running into crores of rupees, purportedly carried out in connivance with other accused persons.
The development comes days after the arrest of Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Khaliq Dar of Jawalapora, Samson, Budgam, who was allegedly found involved in the same case.
The arrest of Soom Nath Koul alias Brij Nath Bhat alias Hadi Nath Dhar alias Mohan Lal Dhar marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, with the EOW now examining the complete scale of the alleged financial fraud, the land transactions involved and the role of other persons allegedly linked to the cases.
The Crime Branch has urged the public to remain vigilant against economic fraud and report suspected cases to SSP EOW Srinagar, Abdul Waheed Shah. Complaints may also be submitted through the official email sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in.
