Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
With Inputs from Media Release
Udupi, Mar 1: After hearing a case relating to alleged forging of records relating to sale of land in Pilar village in the district, a local court here sentenced two persons to six years imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 24,000 each. If they fail to pay up fine, they will have to undergo additional 18 months in jail, the court said in its judgment.
Land measuring Rs 1.59 acres in Pilar was in the custody of a person named Jerald Rebello. As no one knew about the whereabouts of Francis Cutinho for several years, Francis Ignatius D’Souza (42), with help from Ronald Gomes (31), Rocky D’Souza (33), and Ratnappa (30), hatched a plan to usurp this land.
The accused prepared a sale deed in favour of Francis Ignatius D’Souza on September 17, 1998, by presenting themselves in the office of the sub-registrar, Mulky. Ronald Gomes faked himself as Francis Cutinho during this transaction and signed the documents.
After Francis filed an application to revenue officials to change ownership in his name in the department records, Jerald came to know about the fake transaction. He filed a private complaint in the court here on October 13, 1999. During the hearing which prolonged to 13 years, 19 witnesses were examined.
Judge of the court, M C Nanje Gowda, held Francis Ignatius D’Souza and Ronald Gomes guilty of the charges, and awarded sentences as above. Ratnappa died during the hearing. The case against Rocky D’Souza was separated from this case, as he remained continuously absent from hearings.
Senior assistant public prosecutor, Shipvaprasad Alva K had presented the case on behalf of the prosecution.