Thu Nov 21 15:02:10 UTC 2024: ## BJP Agricultural Wing Leader Arrested for Land Fraud in Tiruchi
**Tiruchirappalli, November 21, 2024** – S. Govindaraj, 56, the state deputy president of the BJP’s agricultural wing, and his wife Geetha were arrested on Thursday by the Tiruchi City Crime Branch – II on charges of forgery and cheating. The arrest follows a complaint filed by Devarajan of Srirangam, who alleges he was defrauded of ₹4.82 crore.
Govindaraj, also a resident of Srirangam, allegedly leased a piece of land in Veereswaram in 2021. Upon the lease’s expiration, he reportedly refused to return the land to the owner, Rengasamy. He then allegedly forged Rengasamy’s signature on a sale agreement, selling the land to Devarajan, who intended to build an old age home. Devarajan paid ₹4.82 crore as an advance, which was deposited into Govindaraj’s wife’s bank account.
Govindaraj neither registered the land nor returned the advance, prompting Devarajan to file a complaint. The case was registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to cheating and forgery. Two brokers have also been named as accused in the case. Police sources stated that IPC sections were used instead of provisions under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 2011 (TNPD Act) because the offence predates July 1, 2024.
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