FATORDA: Thirteen fraudulent mutation cases were reported in South Goa – a majority from Curtorim and Raia -and an FIR No. 40/2021 filed at Fatorda Police Station was transferred to SIT and yet there is no progress in these cases pertaining to mutation frauds for the last two years.
“It is claimed that around two-and-a half lakh square metres of land are involved in mutation frauds in North Goa. My calculations show that around four-and-a half lakh square metres are involved in the South. The value of land may be different but the quantum of land is equally important,” thinks Filipe Pereira, whose land in Raia, was attempted to be fraudulently usurped.
From among these thirteen cases sent to SIT, one mutation case was done on the same day (mutation case No. 79705 certified by Madhu Narvekar); one case was done in one day (mutation case No. 78134 certified by Madhu Narvekar); once case in four days (mutation case No. 75091certified by Rosario Carvalho) and one in six days (mutation case No. 75838 certified by Rosario Carvalho).
Documents accessed by O Heraldo reveal that one Alex Faleiro died on 26/02/1996 and a mutation application was submitted in his name on 27/09/2018 under No. 75838 and the same was certified by Rosario Carvalho on 03/10/2018 – in six days.
“It is sad that the focus these days is on mutation frauds only in Assagao and North Goa when I myself have been a victim of mutation fraud in South Goa, where Goans are involved. In my case, I discovered that my ancestor’s name was deleted and the mutation was done in a matter of a day,” recounts sixty-three-year-old Asha Miranda, a victim of the fraud in Curtorim.
Shocked to see that the name was changed, the Form I & XIV and other relevant documents had disappeared from the relevant files, Miranda filed a Mutation Appeal No. 2/2020 through which the Lower Court directed to revert the Form I and XIV to the original entry.
“The people involved tried to circumvent the law thereafter but have not succeeded because we are on the alert. Yet, getting the land back is not all what I want. I want the corrupt in the government to be booked and brought to task,” reasons Miranda.
“The number could be far higher than thirteen and not all can have the resources to fight ,” Miranda said.
“I have recently received a letter inquiring whether any departmental inquiry has been initiated against the officials and staff of the Collectorate involved. I will ask for comments from the staff concerned and act based on their replies,” assured South Goa Collector Asvin Chandru.
“For sure, the case will be taken to its logical conclusion,” assured Chandru.
“The way the case is progressing, it appears that those involved in the Collectorate have managed to shelve it. From the evidence collected through RTI’s it was clear that the full fraud was committed from within and that is why former Collector Jyoti Kumari (IAS) who investigated the case ordered that an FIR be registered within twenty-four hours,” recollects Pereira.
“Since there are thirteen cases involved, it will take some time. We are working on the matter but I cannot give you a definite timeline on completing all investigations,” claimed Shriram Vaigankar, DySP, Crime Branch.
“I think we will be able to complete the investigations within three months, the maximum,” confirmed Vaigankar when asked for a definite timeline.
Mutation happens in life and in after-life
Alex Faleiro died on 26/02/1996 and a mutation application was submitted in his name on 27/09/2018 under No. 75838 and the same was certified by Rosario Carvalho on 03/10/2018 – in six days.
