US-based woman accuses husband’s relatives of forging documents to sell her land in Rajkot
Rajkot: Smita Parekh, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) living in the US for over three decades, has filed a complaint against seven individuals for allegedly forging documents and illegally selling her land in Rajkot without her knowledge. The complaint was lodged at the Shapar Veraval police station, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
NRI alleges land sale through fake signatures and impersonation.
Smita Parekh, an American citizen, accused her late husband’s relatives of forging her signature and using another woman’s photograph to impersonate her during the land registration process. The land, located in Veraval village of Kotda Sangani taluka, was purchased by her late husband Dilip Parekh in 1995 and registered in her name.
Forgery and Illegal Sale
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According to the complaint, Smita had entrusted the original land documents to Dharmesh Parekh, her husband’s nephew
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In 2013-14, Smita and her husband became aware of the unauthorized sale but were unable to travel to India to investigate
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During her recent visit to Rajkot, she uncovered the conspiracy through inquiries at the Gondal sub-district office
Investigations revealed that Dharmesh forged Smita’s signature, while his sister Hetal Shah replaced Smita’s photograph with her own and impersonated her at the sub-registrar’s office.
Buyers Complicit in the Fraud
Dilip Bhut and Jayesh Bhut allegedly purchased the land at a lower price despite being aware of the forged documents. They established a metal factory on the property. Two plots were sold in 2013-14, while the third plot was sold through a fake power of attorney created by Dharmesh, which is also now occupied by the Bhuts.
Legal Action Against Seven Accused
Smita, who resides in New York, filed a complaint against seven individuals:
- Dharmesh Parekh
- Hetal Shah
- Dilip Bhut
- Jayesh Bhut
- Shantilal Bhut
- Prakash Delvadiya
- Jasmat Sangani
The Shapar Veraval police have initiated an investigation into the case and are examining the forged documents and fraudulent transactions.
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