Srinagar, Mar 13: A court here on Wednesday declined bail to a person accused of issuing fake domicile certificates in Srinagar.
Court of 2nd Additional Munsiff Srinagar, Ahtzaz Ahmed, rejected the bail plea of Irfan Ahmad Lone of Bemina here after observing that the nature of the offence is “heinous and non- bailable” as domicile certificates are stated to be fake and might have been misused in different forums.
After hearing APP Umer Mansoor on behalf of the prosecution and the applicant through his counsel, the court underscored that “ prima facie offence is clearly made out against the accused as the persons holding the domicile certificates have clearly stated that the accused herein has issued these certificates”.
“This court is of the opinion that the factors to be considered before considering the plea of bail do not favour the accused at this stage as such the plea seeking bail of the accused is hereby rejected,” said the order, rejecting the bail.
The prosecution objected to granting bail to the accused with the contention that police investigation has revealed his involvement in the case registered on the complaint lodged by Tehsildar Central. In the complaint the officer said that a person came to his office with eight apparently fake Domicile Certificates which had been “prepared by the accused, Irfan Ahmad”.
The property used for preparation of fake domicile certificates including laptop, eye scanner, fingerprint scanner, USB port, printer etc have been seized and Laptop and mobile phone have been sent to FSL for expert opinion.
“The preparation of fake domicile certificates has “jeopardised” the whole issuance process and authorities have started verifying all the certificates now, as such releasing the accused on bail at this stage will cause prejudice to investigation as he may try to destroy the certificates issued by him to the gullible public”.
The prosecution further contended that the accused was involved in grave and heinous offence and did not deserve bail.
Police station Bemina has registered the case (FIR: 04/2024) against the accused under section 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery) after receiving a letter from the office of Tehsildar concerned that a person came to the office with eight Domicile Certificates which appeared genuine but were found not in the office records.