A Mumbai-based individual has lodged a formal complaint with the Fatorda police, alleging that 11 co-occupants of a jointly owned property forged his and his wife's signatures on a power of attorney document and subsequently sold the property without their consent.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The complainant, Josico Miguel Brito, a resident of Borivili (West), Mumbai, reported that the fraudulent act took place on November 22, 2024, at the office of the civil registrar-cum-sub-registrar in Margao. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused individuals are Constantino Candido Anthony Britto, Lousia Britto, Piedade Pires, Clarissa Cynthia Fernandes, Anthony Pascoaline Bertram D'Mello, Darlene Fernandes, Nicholas Benjamin Crasto, Panzy Fernandes, Rosa Maria Brito, Jennifer Agnes Britto, and Kenny Fernandes. They are all co-occupants of the disputed property.
Forgery and Illegal Sale
Police officials stated that the accused allegedly forged the signatures of Brito and his wife on a power of attorney dated October 15, 2024. This forged document was then submitted at the sub-registrar's office in Margao to execute a sale deed in favor of another individual. The complainant emphasized that the property was sold without his knowledge or consent, constituting a clear case of fraud.
Legal Action Taken
Based on Brito's complaint, the Fatorda police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These include Section 318(2) (cheating), Section 338 (forgery), Section 336(3) (using forged document as genuine), Section 340(2) (fraudulent cancellation or destruction of document), and Section 61(2) read with 3(5) (criminal conspiracy). The investigation is currently underway to ascertain the full extent of the fraudulent activities and to bring the accused to justice.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance in property transactions and the need for robust verification processes to prevent such fraudulent acts. The police have urged anyone with information related to this case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
