The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken decisive action by registering a case under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (COCA) against a gang accused of orchestrating a sophisticated scheme to illegally seize properties through forged documents in Bengaluru.
Led by the main accused, John Moses, the gang meticulously targeted disputed or vacant plots in and around Bengaluru, compiling detailed records of these properties. Subsequently, they manufactured fake documents, including ownership records and rental agreements, and filed lawsuits in court, feigning disputes between fabricated owners and tenants. Complicit lawyers represented both sides in these cases, orchestrating compromised settlements that culminated in court orders favoring the fraudsters.
A notable instance of their operations involved a 100/56-feet property belonging to Ravindra C Shah in Gokula 1st Stage near Yeshwantpur Village. The gang falsely depicted B Mani as the property owner, Arun as the tenant, and Senthil Kumar as the holder of General Power of Attorney (GPA), fabricating all requisite legal documents to substantiate their claims.
After manipulating the legal system with forged rent deeds, BBMP khata certificates, and legal notices, the gang secured a court order purporting to resolve the alleged disputes, subsequently extorting money from the legitimate property owners.
The case came to light in 2020 when the High Court intervened, directing city police to conduct a thorough investigation. Subsequently, the CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) took over the case and arrested 18 individuals involved in the conspiracy, including B Mani, Arun, Senthil Kumar, John Moses, Anthony Raj, Narendra Kumar, Edwin, and Kanthamma.
Investigations have disclosed the gang’s involvement in 116 similar cases across various Bengaluru locales, underscoring the magnitude of their fraudulent activities.
