Kerala DGP settles breach of contract case, ends controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: DGP Sheikh Darvesh Saheb on Wednesday settled the controversial ‘breach of contract’ case in Thiruvananthapuram 2nd Sub Court by returning the advance amount of Rs 30 lakhs and interest to expatriate Umar Sharif.

The court had ordered the confiscation of DGP's land after the advance was not returned. The land could be transferred only if this amount was deposited in the court. However, on Wednesday, Umar Sharif filed a petition in the court requesting the case be closed after admitting that he received Rs 30 lakhs of advance from the DGP. The court then issued an order in that respect.

Umar had signed a contract to buy a 10.8 cents property in Peroorkada Manikandeswaram for Rs 74 lakh. The property was in the name of DGP’s wife Farida Fatima. Umar paid Rs 15 lakh on the day of the contract and Rs 10 lakh two days later. A week later, he went to the DGP's office and paid 5 lakhs.

After some suspicion, Umar came to know that the property was pledged to SBI Althara branch for 26 lakhs. Then Umar through his lawyer sent a notice demanding the return of Rs 30 lakhs, but the DGP delayed the transfer of money citing legal obligations. Umar then approached the court saying that the DGP tried to sell the property to another client. The case turned controversial and the home department even started an investigation which now forced the DGP to settle the case for good.