Economic Offences Wing Nabs Absconding Accused in Major Lucknow Land Scam
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Lucknow made a significant breakthrough on Sunday by arresting an absconding accused involved in a large-scale racket of illegal encroachment and fraudulent sale of government land. This arrest marks a crucial step in dismantling an organised gang that has been operating in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The accused, identified as Kamal Kumar Seth, was apprehended from Chandigarh after evading capture for an extended period. He was a key member of an organised gang that allegedly occupied valuable government properties, including ponds, grazing land, and gram sabha land. The gang then sold these properties to unsuspecting buyers using forged and fabricated documents, leading to substantial financial losses and legal complications.
Kamal Kumar Seth, a resident of Lucknow, had been on the run by frequently changing locations to avoid apprehension, despite sustained efforts by the EOW. His arrest from Chandigarh highlights the extensive reach of the investigation and the determination of the authorities to bring all involved parties to justice.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The case was originally registered at Krishnanagar police station in Lucknow under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 467 (forgery of valuable security)
- Section 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating)
- Section 471 (using as genuine a forged document)
- Section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property)
- Section 447 (criminal trespass)
- Section 441 (criminal trespass)
- Section 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace)
- Section 506 (criminal intimidation)
Additionally, Section 3(1)(10) of the SC/ST Act was invoked, indicating the severity and multifaceted nature of the offences. The accused and his associates allegedly threatened complainants whenever objections were raised against their illegal activities, adding a layer of intimidation to their fraudulent operations.
Investigation and Previous Arrests
On the directions of the state government, the investigation was transferred to the EOW, which identified eight accused involved in the organised land-grab syndicate. Of these, six accused were arrested earlier, and chargesheets have already been filed against them in the competent court. Kamal Kumar Seth was one of the remaining fugitives, and his arrest brings the total number of apprehended individuals to seven, with one still at large.
Police officials have confirmed that legal proceedings are underway, and the EOW team from Lucknow is continuing its efforts to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly investigated. This case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organised crime related to land fraud and the importance of coordinated efforts between different agencies.
The arrest of Kamal Kumar Seth is expected to provide further insights into the modus operandi of the gang and help in recovering the fraudulently sold properties. It also serves as a warning to others involved in similar illegal activities that the authorities are vigilant and committed to upholding the law.
