Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: In a significant development, the Ponda police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Shivanand Saraswati Swami of Kavale Math and Avadhut Shivram Kakodkar on allegations of fraudulent activities involving property in Village Queula of Ponda Taluka.
The incident occurred recently, with the complaint being filed on January 23, 2025.
The FIR, filed by Dr. PS Ramani and another individual, accuses Shivanand Saraswati Swami and Avadhut Shivram Kakodkar of fraudulently selling property through impersonation, creation of false documents, and the fraudulent execution of deeds. Additionally, Advocate Manohar Adpaikar has also been booked in connection with this case.
According to the complaint, the accused individuals allegedly impersonated legitimate property owners to sell the land. The creation and use of false documents were central to their fraudulent scheme, allowing them to execute the deeds illegally.
The allegations of involvement of Advocate Manohar Adpaikar suggest that the fraud may have been facilitated through legal channels, making the case even more complex.
Prominent followers of the Kavale Math have made a serious allegation that the current Swami Shivanand Saraswati impersonated the deceased Sachchidanand Saraswati while selling the land of the Math in the Ponda taluka.
The complaint also states that the transaction was carried out without proper recognition through a fake power of attorney and in violation of the rules approved by the High Court, and also by keeping the Charity Commissioner of Mumbai in the dark.
There are more serious allegations against the Swami that the trustees of the Math were arbitrarily dismissed by the Swami and some other illegal land transactions were also made.
The Ponda police have registered a case of cheating under sections 420, 419 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for impersonation, 465 for forgery, etc. and the FIR has been registered on January 15, 2025.
According to information given by Superintendent of Police Sunita Sawant, the police have demanded some documents from the Math in this regard and action will be taken after that.
An FIR has been lodged against Shivanand Swami, Avadhoot Shriram Kakodkar, in whose name the power of attorney was issued to sell the land, and notary Manohar Adpaikar.