The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Bhopal has taken decisive legal action, registering a formal case of cheating and criminal conspiracy. This move follows a meticulous investigation that uncovered a disturbing fraud: agricultural land belonging to a deceased farmer was illegally sold by misusing a power of attorney that had expired upon his death.
Complaint Unveils the Alleged Conspiracy
The case originated from a written complaint filed on June 18, 2025, by Yogesh Kushwaha, a resident of Barkhedi village in Jawar tehsil. Kushwaha alleged that Maniraj Singh, a resident of Nehru Nagar, along with other accomplices, colluded to sell the agricultural land of farmer Achal Singh Mewara after his passing. The tool for this alleged crime was a misused power of attorney.
EOW investigators pieced together the timeline. The original owner, Achal Singh Mewara, owned agricultural land in Barkheda Nathu village, Jawar tehsil. On December 18, 2018, he executed a registered power of attorney in favour of Maniraj Singh for a portion of this land. A critical condition was that this document was valid only during the farmer's lifetime. Achal Singh Mewara passed away on February 7, 2022, an event that, under the law, automatically rendered the power of attorney null and void.
Systematic Fraud After the Farmer's Death
Officials explained that following a landowner's death, the power-of-attorney holder has a clear legal duty to inform the relevant registration office and follow proper legal procedures. However, in this instance, the accused allegedly chose a path of concealment and deception.
They deliberately hid the farmer's death, failing to notify the registration office. Instead of ceasing all actions under the now-invalid document, they embarked on a series of illegal transactions. Between February 2022 and December 2022, the accused carved the land into different plots and executed nine separate sale deeds, selling them to multiple buyers. This orchestrated effort resulted in significant illegal financial gains for the perpetrators, while misleading government authorities and the public.
Investigation Leaves No Stone Unturned
The EOW's probe was comprehensive, leaving little room for doubt. The agency examined a wide array of evidence to build its case:
- Official registration records and property software data.
- The death certificate of Achal Singh Mewara.
- Relevant banking details and financial trails.
- Detailed statements from concerned persons linked to the case.
This thorough examination established that the power of attorney was knowingly and intentionally misused after the farmer's death to facilitate illegal land registrations and sales. The evidence pointed to a calculated plan to exploit the document beyond its legal validity.
Legal Reckoning Based on Prima Facie Evidence
Armed with strong prima facie evidence, the Economic Offences Wing has officially registered a case against Maniraj Singh and others involved in the conspiracy. The charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy underscore the serious nature of the offence, which not only defrauded individuals but also undermined legal land transaction protocols.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities in property transactions and the importance of due diligence. It serves as a stern warning against those attempting to manipulate legal documents for personal gain, especially when exploiting the legacy of deceased individuals.
