Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Saheb finds himself in legal trouble over a private land transaction as he is accused of committing a serious offence in the deal, specifically for failing to disclose a mortgage on the property, which legal experts consider fraudulent. If a formal complaint is filed, it may lead to criminal charges being filed.

The Additional Sub Court in Thiruvananthapuram has intervened by preventing the transfer of land owned by the DGP. The police chief had failed to repay the advance made for the purchase. The court has mandated that the outstanding amount must be settled before any further action can be taken regarding the property.

The petitioner, Umar Sharif from Vazhuthakkad, alleges in his petition that he entered into a lease agreement for 10.8 cents of land in Manikanteswaram,Thiruvananthapuram, with the DGP agreeing on a price of Rs 74 lakhs. According to the agreement, the land was to be transferred within two months, with Rs 30 lakhs paid as an advance in instalments. However, upon discovering that the property was mortgaged for Rs 26 lakhs at SBI Althara branch, Umar Sharif demanded the return of his advance but received no response, leading him to approach the court and attach the land.

Umar Sharif has stated that he will withdraw his complaint if the advance amount is refunded immediately. Attempts to meet the DGP in person have been unsuccessful, and Sharif has also filed a complaint with the Chief Minister online.

DGP's argument

Sheikh Darvesh Saheb told the media that he had disclosed in advance that there was a loan on the property. He stated that documents could be collected from the bank after paying the full amount. He also stated that the deal was conducted transparently with a proper agreement. He explained that after receiving the advance payment, construction began on the property, but the remaining payment was not made as agreed upon, and the advance amount was requested to be returned. The police chief also mentioned that he is the one who had incurred losses.