Century-Old Church in Jalandhar Targeted by Scammers for ₹5 Crore
Two Ludhiana residents booked for attempting to sell 129-year-old Golaknath Memorial Church for a fraction of its estimated ₹150 crore value.
Real Estate ScamGolaknath Memorial ChurchJalandharCenturyold ChurchFraudReal Estate NewsSep 09, 2024
According to the police, the accused duo, Jordan Masih and Mary Willson, posed as the treasurer and member of the church, respectively, to deceive the potential buyer. They even managed to receive a token amount of ₹5 lakh from the victim in June.
However, their plan was foiled when the church authorities got wind of the scam. Pastor Sarwan Singh, a member of the United Church of Northern India Trust Association, who holds the power of attorney for the church, lodged a complaint with Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal on September 5.
The Golaknath Memorial Church, built in 1895, holds great historical significance. It was constructed in memory of Bengali Brahmin Golaknath Chatterjee, who renounced his home to lead the first Indian Christian missionary in the Doaba region around 1830.
Following the complaint, the Deputy Commissioner ordered restrictions on any land registry. The matter was then reported to the Jalandhar commissionerate for a detailed investigation, and an FIR was registered under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC Act.
The IPC sections were invoked as the 'misappropriation' took place before June 30, before the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) came into effect on July 1.
The case highlights the need for vigilance and due diligence when dealing with high-value transactions, especially when it comes to historical properties.
About United Church of Northern India Trust Association
The United Church of Northern India Trust Association is a trust that manages and oversees various churches and properties across northern India. The trust is responsible for maintaining the historical and cultural significance of these properties.
Information
The Golaknath Memorial Church is a significant historical landmark in Jalandhar, and its attempted sale for a fraction of its value has raised concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage sites.
The Jalandhar Commissionerate is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in Jalandhar district. The Commissionerate is headed by a Commissioner of Police, who is responsible for overseeing all police operations in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the estimated value of the Golaknath Memorial Church?
The estimated value of the church is around ₹150 crore in the real estate market.
Who are the accused in the case?
The accused are Jordan Masih and Mary Willson, two residents of Ludhiana.
What is the significance of the Golaknath Memorial Church?
The church was built in memory of Bengali Brahmin Golaknath Chatterjee, who led the first Indian Christian missionary in the Doaba region around 1830.
What sections of the IPC Act were invoked in the case?
Sections 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC Act were invoked in the case.
What is the United Church of Northern India Trust Association?
The United Church of Northern India Trust Association is a trust that manages and oversees various churches and properties across northern India.
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