Kochi Police Nab Duo in Elaborate Rs 20 Lakh Flat Lease Fraud
In a significant crackdown on financial fraud, the Central police in Kochi have arrested two individuals for allegedly cheating a 41-year-old woman out of Rs 20 lakh by orchestrating a fake lease agreement for a residential flat. The arrested suspects have been identified as Ajil Sebastian, 31, from Njarackal, and Arjun C L, 33, from Mulavukadu. Authorities have confirmed that other accused parties in this case remain at large, with investigations ongoing to apprehend them.
Details of the Deceptive Scheme
According to the police complaint, the accused convinced the victim that they possessed a flat available for lease in the city. To bolster their credibility, they sent her photographs of apartment number 15 at Green Vistas Prakrriti, creating an illusion of legitimacy. On December 11, the woman was coerced into signing a lease agreement and subsequently transferred Rs 20 lakh through multiple transactions. She then moved into the apartment, believing it was legally hers to occupy.
However, the scam unraveled on February 3, when the genuine owners of the flat discovered the unauthorized occupancy and demanded she vacate the premises immediately. This revelation exposed the fraudulent nature of the agreement, prompting the victim to file a police report. Investigators revealed that the arrested individuals have a history of involvement in multiple cheating cases, indicating a pattern of criminal behavior.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Investigation
The accused were promptly produced in court, where they were remanded to judicial custody. Police sources have indicated that this scam may have ensnared numerous other victims through similar deceptive tactics. Authorities are now diligently working to determine the full extent of the fraud and are actively tracing the remaining suspects involved in this network. The investigation aims to uncover any additional fraudulent activities and bring all perpetrators to justice.
Separate Case of Fraud and Assault
In an unrelated but equally troubling incident, Kalady police arrested a 28-year-old man for sexually assaulting a woman and fraudulently obtaining money and gold jewellery from her. The accused, Niyas from Pappinisseri in Kannur, allegedly promised marriage to the complainant, a woman separated from her husband, and sexually assaulted her between 2022 and 2023. He further convinced her to provide him with 16 sovereigns of gold and Rs 1 lakh under the pretence of starting a business venture.
When the victim demanded the return of her assets, Niyas physically assaulted her, according to police reports. Additionally, there is another case registered against him at the Shoranur police station for impersonating a train ticket examiner. The investigation into this matter was led by Inspector Anil Kumar T Meppillil, highlighting the police's commitment to addressing such crimes comprehensively.
These arrests underscore the vigilance of Kochi police in tackling financial and personal frauds, urging the public to exercise caution in property transactions and personal dealings. The ongoing probes are expected to reveal more details about the scope of these scams and prevent future victimization.
