The audacity of land mafias and fraudsters can be gauged from this recent case. A sensational incident has come to light here, involving a renowned company that was defrauded of a hefty sum of ₹3 crore after entering into a land deal worth approximately ₹21 crore—only for the accused to subsequently renege on the agreement. Following a thorough investigation into the matter, the police have registered a case against the accused, Puneet Beriwal, under charges of criminal breach of trust and fraud.
**The Entire Case Dates Back to 2021**
According to reports, Manjot Singh Mann (representing M/s Fineway Enclave Private Limited), whose office is located near Jawaddi Bridge, filed a complaint with the police regarding this fraud. The complaint stated that a major agreement regarding the purchase and sale of land had been executed with his company—a deal in which the accused swindled not just lakhs, but crores of rupees. According to the complainant, the entire episode dates back to the year 2021. On June 30, 2021, the accused finalized a deal with the complainant’s company to sell his 10.83 acres of land for a sum of ₹21 crore.
**Accused’s Intentions Turn Malafide When Time Came for Registration**
A significant portion of this land (7.47 acres) was approved for group housing, while the remainder (3.36 acres) was approved for a commercial project. This prime land falls under the jurisdiction of villages Banohar and Dakha. At the time the deal was finalized, the accused received a substantial sum of ₹3 crore from the company as ‘earnest money’ (advance payment). As per the agreed terms, the accused was required to register the land in the company’s name after receiving the payment. However, as soon as the time for the land registration arrived, the accused’s intentions turned malafide. He neither proceeded with the land registration nor returned the company’s money. Despite repeated attempts to establish contact, the accused continued to stall, following which the company sought legal recourse. After a lengthy investigation, the police have initiated legal proceedings against the accused.
