Accused used power of attorney to sell land without informing owner; issued threats when confronted
A shocking case of betrayal has surfaced in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district, where an NRI was allegedly defrauded by a trusted local friend who illegally sold his land and pocketed the proceeds. The Tenkasi crime branch arrested the accused following a detailed investigation, reported thehindu.com.
According to police, Ramasundaram, a native of Shencottah and currently residing abroad, purchased the land in Panpozhi for ₹33 lakh in 2010. Hoping to sell it later for a higher price, he entrusted Kalidas with a general power of attorney and also authorised him to handle his bank account to deposit any sale proceeds.
The suspect, Kalidas from Elathur Road in Shencottah, allegedly misused a power of attorney to sell 6.18 acres of land owned by NRI Ramasundaram Swami and kept him in the dark about the sale.
Kalidas assured Ramasundaram that the land had not yet been sold, despite years of follow-up. However, during a visit in 2023, Ramasundaram discovered that strangers were already occupying the property. Upon inquiry, he was shocked to learn the land had been sold for ₹1.11 crore—without his knowledge.
Verification of property documents confirmed that Kalidas had indeed sold the land using the power of attorney but never informed Ramasundaram or deposited any money into his account. When confronted, Kalidas reportedly issued death threats.
Following a formal complaint, the Tenkasi district crime branch launched an investigation and arrested Kalidas for fraud and criminal intimidation. Further inquiries are ongoing.
