Real estate fraud worth 1.70 crores at Ernakulam; pre-planned attack on fraudsters by victim and gang; nine arrested

KOCHI: Assault and robbery in Kochi in connection with a real estate transaction fraud. Ernakulam South police arrested nine people in two cases. The dramatic scenes unfolded on Monday night in connection with the fraud of Rs 1.70 crore by pretending to be the owner of a 15.5 cent land in Pachalam, Ernakulam. Those who lost their money called the fraud gang with a clear plan, and stole money and gold.

The robbery was led by Thiruvananthapuram Venjaramoodu native Nizam (44), his relative Jibu Iqbal (42), a native of Kottarakkara, Mattancherry native C.S. Badusha (31), Ernakulam Karukappally native Samson Francis (32), Mattancherry native P.K. Shahir (41), Palluruthy native Nahas (38), native Kasaragod Shihab (34). They were arrested with Thiruvananthapuram Ambalathara native R. Taufeeq (39) and Kottayam Kanjikuzhi native Saju George Thomas, who embezzled money from Nizam by making a fake contract.

Taufeeq and Saju George took Rs 1.70 crore from Nizam for the sale of the land in Pachalam on October 16. Taufeeq acted as an intermediary on the pretext that the land for sale belonged to Saju George. The money was embezzled by creating a fake contract for the land in Pachalam, which is actually owned by 11 family members. After months of the property not being transferred, Nizam demanded the money back but did not get it.

On Monday, the South Police registered a case against Taufeeq and Saju as accused in a complaint filed by Nizam with the Kochi City Police Commissioner. On Monday night, Saju and Taufeeq were called to Nizam's rented room near Papaya Restaurant in Panampally Nagar to discuss a settlement. Saju came believing that he would get more money. The gang took Saju's gold necklace and gold ring. They also stole Rs 90,000 through Google Pay and Rs 2000 from his wallet.