Mumbai Man's Goa Property Sold Illegally Through Forged Power of Attorney

A Mumbai-based man has filed a complaint with the Fatorda police in Goa, alleging that 11 co-occupants of a shared property forged his and his wife’s signatures on a power of attorney and illegally sold the property. The complainant, Josico Miguel Brito, a resident of Borivili (West), Mumbai, alleged that the fraud took place on November 22, 2024, at the office of the civil registrar-cum-sub-registrar in Margao.

According to the FIR, the accused — Constantino Candido Anthony Britto, Lousia Britto, Piedade Pires, Clarissa Cynthia Fernandes, Anthony Pascoaline Bertram D’Mello, Darlene Fernandes, Nicholas Benjamin Crasto, Panzy Fernandes, Rosa Maria Brito, Jennifer Agnes Britto, and Kenny Fernandes — are co-occupants of the disputed property. Police stated that the accused allegedly forged the signatures of the complainant and his wife on a power of attorney dated October 15, 2024, and submitted it at the sub-registrar’s office in Margao to execute a sale deed in favor of another person.

The complainant alleged that the property was sold without his knowledge or consent. This fraudulent act has left him in a state of shock and legal turmoil. The property, which is a significant asset, was sold to an unsuspecting buyer, complicating the legal proceedings and recovery process.

Fatorda police have registered a case under Sections 318(2) (cheating), 338 (forgery), 336(3) (using forged document as genuine), 340(2) (fraudulent cancellation or destruction of document), and 61(2) read with 3(5) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The police are currently investigating the matter and are working to trace the individuals involved and recover the property.

The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and legal documentation in property transactions, especially in shared properties. It serves as a cautionary tale for property owners to ensure that all legal documents are properly verified and authenticated to prevent such fraudulent activities.

Josico Miguel Brito is now seeking legal assistance to rectify the situation and reclaim his property. He emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future, calling for more robust legal frameworks and stricter penalties for those involved in property fraud.

The Goa police have assured the complainant of their full cooperation and are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore the complainant’s rights to his property.

In the meantime, property owners and co-occupants are advised to be cautious and to regularly check the status of their properties and any associated legal documents. This case underscores the vulnerabilities in the current system and the need for enhanced security measures to protect individuals from such fraudulent practices.