Mohali police have registered a case against a former sarpanch, panches, and the president of Universal Education Society in a cheating case involving forgery and criminal conspiracy. The accused allegedly obtained a fraudulent loan of crores of rupees by violating the lease conditions of village common land in Lalru's Ballopur village.
Case Filed on Complaint
On the complaint of the District Development and Panchayat Officer, a case has been registered against former Ballopur sarpanch Chhoti Devi, panch Maan Singh, panch Sohan Lal, and Universal Education Society president Gurpreet Singh under sections 318 (4), 336 (2), 338, 336 (3), 340 (2), and 61 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Accused at Large
The police stated that all accused are currently at large but will be arrested soon. Further investigation is underway.
Violation of Lease Terms
The complaint alleged that the Universal Education Society violated lease terms and misused the village common land. The gram panchayat had leased 68 bighas (14 biswas) of village common land to the society for 33 years. The Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary issued orders in this regard in 2009. Under the terms, the society was entitled to obtain a loan on the land only for construction and building purposes.
Forgery and Collusion
The lease deed was signed by then-Sarpanch Chhoti Devi on behalf of the panchayat and by Gurpreet Singh on behalf of the society, with two witnesses testifying. It was alleged that the individuals colluded and violated the terms and conditions, forging the lease deed to obtain a loan of crores of rupees on the land.
Legal Process
Legal advice was first sought from the District Attorney, following which the SSP ordered the registration of the case.
