In a shocking case of audacious fraud, Ahmedabad police have arrested a 37-year-old man for operating a fake tribunal and defrauding individuals seeking resolution of land disputes. The accused, Morris Samuel Christian, a resident of Gandhinagar, allegedly established a convincing facade of a legitimate court, complete with staff, advocates, and himself as the presiding ‘judge.’
Christian’s modus operandi involved targeting individuals facing land disputes in civil court. He would lure them to his Gandhinagar office, designed to mimic a real courtroom, and offer his services as a court-appointed arbitrator. He would then charge his clients fees to ‘resolve’ their cases, ultimately passing favorable orders in his own favor. The police uncovered evidence that he even filed cases and attempted to make his clients owners of land worth crores.
The elaborate scheme came to light when a civil application was filed by one Babjuji Thakor, who claimed ownership over a parcel of government land in the Paldi area. During the investigation, inconsistencies raised red flags, leading to the exposure of Christian’s fraudulent operation.
The Ahmedabad Police have registered a case against Christian under sections 170 (pretending to hold any office as a public servant) and 419 (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police have recovered photos of Christian sitting as a judge in his fake courtroom, reinforcing the meticulously crafted deception.
This arrest highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and verifying the authenticity of legal professionals and institutions before entrusting them with sensitive matters. The case serves as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to conduct thorough research and due diligence before engaging in any legal proceedings.
The police are currently investigating the extent of Christian’s fraudulent activities and the number of individuals affected. Further developments in the case are expected as investigations continue.