According to police records, the complainant, Balkrishna Swarnakar (38), a resident of Gaya Nagar, Ward No. 4, Durg, approached the court after repeated attempts to secure registration of the land failed. Acting on the judicial magistrate’s order under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code, police have now begun a detailed probe.

The dispute dates back to January 8, 2021, when Swarnakar allegedly entered into a land purchase agreement with Rajulal (55), a resident of Kanhaiyapuri Chowk, Kasaridih. The agreement pertained to a 2,500 square feet plot located in Mouja Baghera, Ward No. 56, recorded under Khasra No. 323/107. The total consideration was fixed at ₹6 lakh.

As per the complaint, a notarised sale agreement was executed at the Durg District Court premises in the presence of two witnesses. On the same day, the accused allegedly executed a registered general power of attorney in favour of the complainant, clearly indicating the intent to sell the land.

Swarnakar stated that he initially paid ₹2 lakh as earnest money—₹1.95 lakh through cheque and ₹5,000 in cash. The accused later cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for delaying the registry and assured that the sale deed would be executed once the remaining amount was paid. In January 2023, the complainant transferred the remaining ₹4 lakh through two cheques.

The alleged fraud came to light when Swarnakar, after paying stamp duty and completing all formalities, approached the sub-registrar’s office to execute the registry. At this stage, the accused reportedly filed an objection, claiming that the land had not been sold but only mortgaged. Due to this objection, the registry process was halted. Subsequently, after two years, the general power of attorney also lapsed.

Following these developments, the complainant moved the court. Judicial Magistrate First Class Ravi Kumar Mahobia observed that the complaint disclosed a prima facie cognisable offence and directed the police to register a case.

Based on the court’s order, police have registered an FIR against Rajulal under Sections 420 (cheating), 416 (cheating by personation) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. Investigators said bank records, cheque details, the sale agreement, power of attorney documents and notary records will form crucial evidence.

Police officials said all aspects of the transaction are being examined and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.