Ahmedabad: The Sanand court on Thursday convicted Raman Patel, owner of Popular Builders, in connection with the Chekhla land fraud case.

The case pertained to the fraudulent sale of restricted land in Chekhla village through forged documents. According to the complaint, a fake order purportedly issued by the Sanand Mamlatdar was also prepared to illegally convert “new tenure” land into “old tenure” status. Investigations revealed that out of 52 companies in whose names the documents were created, 41 were registered at addresses linked to Raman Patel and his associates.

The trial was conducted as per the directions of the Supreme Court and culminated in Patel’s conviction on Thursday. He was found guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 471 (using forged documents), and 120(B) (criminal conspiracy).

Raman Patel, known for his involvement in multiple land scams under the Popular Builders Group, has faced several complaints in the past related to illegal land dealings.

Meanwhile, four other accused, Chhaganbhai Bholidas Patel, Dashrathbhai Bholidas Patel, Satish Jayantibhai Patel, and Kantibhai Maftabhai Patel, remain wanted in connection with the case. DeshGujarat