Racket in counterfeit court seals busted
BENGALURU: The city police have unearthed a network involving many people behind counterfeiting the seals of the sessions court, registrar, and notary in the city, following a complaint filed by the court authorities.
Girinagar police, who have registered the case, have arrested six people so far. They informed the court that the accused were involved in crime and they may use these counterfeit seals for illegal purposes such as preparing court orders and court decrees.
Considering it, Kotrayya M Hiremath, judge of a sessions court, recently rejected the bail applications of two accused-- A P Sathish (42), accused no. 6 residing at Srinivasa Nagar in Banashankari III stage, and Gopalakrishna (47), accused no.3 residing at Kempegowda Nagar in the city.
The judge noted, “The nature and seriousness of the offence and the larger interest of the public or the State are the important factors to be considered. The complaint and the contents of remand applications show that there is a big network involving many people. The accused may use these counterfeit seals for illegal purposes such as preparing the court orders and court decrees. The act of these accused not only affects individuals in the society but also the judiciary as a whole.”
The judge said that hence, if the petitioners are released on bail, it is likely that they may tamper with the evidence and also may abscond with an intention to avoid proper investigation. Also, the investigation is still in progress. Therefore, this court is of the opinion that the accused is not entitled for bail at this stage, the judge observed.
However, the judge granted bail to the first accused Gayathri (30) as she is a woman, imposing certain conditions. Gayathri runs a beauty parlour near Girinagar.
How the network was unearthed
N Subramanya, Registrar, Small Causes Court in the city, registered a complaint saying that he received credible information through telephone about some people counterfeiting the court seals. The informant reportedly said that the seals of the registrars of the court are available at No.60/4, First Cross, Avalahalli in Girinagar T Block.
After this, the complainant along with the Administrative Shirasthedar of Small Causes Court and the police constable of Ulsoor Police Station and others went to the spot at 1.15 pm on September 6, 2016. While they kept an eye on Vinayaka Rubber Stamp Makers shop, a woman (Gayathri) came to the shop and took two rubber stamps from the seal maker.