Madhavaram Police Nab Impersonator in Elaborate Property Fraud Scheme
In a significant crackdown on fraudulent activities, the Madhavaram police have apprehended a 43-year-old individual who allegedly deceived numerous victims by masquerading as both a lawyer and a judge. The arrest, which took place on Friday, follows an extensive investigation into complaints of financial exploitation through false promises related to property transactions and legal services.
Details of the Fraudulent Operation
The accused, identified as Murali Mohan, also known as Mohammed Meeran, resides in Shivasakthi Nagar, Madhavaram. According to police reports, his arrest was triggered by a formal complaint lodged by Ajmal, a 23-year-old car wash shop owner from Palaniappan Nagar. Ajmal recounted that he first encountered Mohammed Meeran several months ago, during which the latter introduced himself as a practicing lawyer.
When Ajmal expressed intentions to sell his house, Mohammed Meeran assured him of facilitating the sale for an estimated ₹1.5 crore. He further claimed that a substantial amount of money was necessary to prepare the requisite legal documents. Trusting these assurances, Ajmal proceeded to pay approximately ₹30 lakh in multiple instalments to the accused.
Unraveling the Deception
However, the promised property transaction failed to materialize, and Mohammed Meeran began evading attempts to recover the funds. Frustrated by the continuous delays and lack of progress, Ajmal filed an official complaint with the Madhavaram police in October of the previous year. This complaint set the stage for a thorough police investigation.
During the probe, authorities uncovered that Mohammed Meeran had no formal legal education and was falsely presenting himself as a qualified lawyer. He was actively involved in illegal arbitration and financial dealings under this guise. Investigators also discovered that he had duped several other individuals by claiming to be both a lawyer and a judge, thereby exploiting their trust for financial gain.
Additional Victims and Evidence
In one notable instance, police revealed that Mohammed Meeran cheated another victim, Raja Mohammed, of ₹28 lakh by promising to secure a plot of land at a significantly reduced price. This pattern of deception highlights the systematic nature of his fraudulent activities.
As part of the arrest, police seized various documents and a counterfeit lawyer's identity card from Mohammed Meeran's possession. These items serve as crucial evidence in building the case against him, demonstrating the lengths to which he went to maintain his fraudulent persona.
Broader Implications and Police Response
The arrest underscores the growing concerns over financial fraud in urban areas, particularly those involving property transactions. The Madhavaram police have emphasized their commitment to tackling such crimes and protecting citizens from similar scams. They urge the public to verify the credentials of legal professionals before engaging in any financial dealings.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence in property and legal matters, especially in a bustling city like Chennai where such transactions are frequent. The police continue to investigate the full extent of the fraud, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the legal system.
