Sitapur Police File FIR Against Ex-SDM, 5 Others in 25-Year-Old Property Fraud Case
In a significant development, Laharpur police in Sitapur district have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against six individuals, including a former sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), over allegations of fraud that date back nearly 25 years. The case centers on accusations that the primary accused, Manoj Kumar, fraudulently altered his father's name in official documents to establish an illegitimate claim over ancestral property.
Court Order Leads to FIR Registration
Police authorities confirmed that the FIR was lodged following a direct court order, which came in response to a complaint filed by Vinay Kumar, a resident of Pakariyapur village in Barabanki district. According to the detailed complaint, in 1995, Manoj Kumar allegedly manipulated consolidation (chakbandi) and revenue records with the assistance of the then village head and other officials. This manipulation was aimed at projecting himself as the legal heir to the property, thereby securing an unauthorized claim.
Complainant's Long Struggle for Justice
The complainant, Vinay Kumar, has endured a protracted battle for justice. He alleged that despite raising formal objections and submitting multiple complaints to various authorities in 2020, seeking the cancellation of the fraudulent certificates, no concrete action was taken. Frustrated by the lack of progress, he escalated the matter in 2024 by approaching senior officials, including the chief secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), district magistrate, and superintendent of police. However, these efforts also proved futile, leading him to seek judicial intervention.
Accused Individuals and Police Investigation
Following the court's directive, the police have formally booked the following individuals:
- Manoj Kumar (main accused)
- The then sub-divisional magistrate (SDM)
- The then tehsildar
- The then Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO)
- The then supply inspector
- The then village head
Laharpur police station in-charge, Arvind Kumar, provided an official statement regarding the case. "An FIR has been registered, and the case is currently under active investigation. Given that the matter is quite old, a detailed investigation will be conducted to uncover the actual facts and bring the truth to light," he stated. The police are now tasked with delving into the decades-old records and testimonies to establish the veracity of the allegations.
Implications and Broader Context
This case highlights persistent issues related to property fraud and administrative corruption in rural and semi-urban areas. The involvement of former government officials, including an SDM, raises serious questions about accountability and the integrity of public records. Property disputes, especially those involving ancestral land, often lead to prolonged legal battles, affecting families for generations. The registration of this FIR marks a critical step towards addressing such grievances and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of the time elapsed.
As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how authorities handle the complexities of a case spanning a quarter-century. The outcome could set a precedent for similar property fraud cases, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate official documents and holding individuals accountable for fraudulent activities.
