Margao couple loses property through forged power of attorney

Margao: A Margao couple has alleged that their property in Sao Jose de Areal, Salcete, was illegally transferred through a forged special power of attorney (SPA) and a fraudulent gift deed executed without their knowledge, Fatorda police said.Complainants Anant Lotlikar and his wife, Savitri Lotlikar, residents of Aquem Alto, Margao, alleged that Pandurang Lotlikar of Mandop, Navelim, in connivance with Vamanrao Verlekar of Povacao, Curtorim, forged their signatures on an SPA dated Sep 28, 2022.According to the complaint, the original SPA was in Verlekar’s possession. The accused allegedly used the forged document to execute a gift deed on Dec 1, 2022, at the office of the sub-registrar, Salcete, transferring the complainants’ property in Sao Jose de Areal in favour of Pandurang Lotlikar.The complainants said the transaction was carried out without their knowledge or consent, causing them wrongful loss.Fatorda police have registered a case under Sections 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 471 (using a forged document as genuine), and 420 (cheating), read with Section 34 (common intention) of the IPC. Further investigation is under way.