The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested Abha and Clara Kranti in connection with the St Jude Housing Society scam, in which 377 Christian families were allegedly cheated in the name of developing a residential colony. The arrests were made on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation.
The EOW has registered a case against seven individuals, including the prime accused Vipin Topo, his wife Abha, sister Clara Kranti, and other associates.
According to DG EOW Upendra Jain, a complaint was first received in 2017 alleging that between 2009 and 2012, the office-bearers of the Society collected deposits from people promising plots at affordable rates. Most victims belonged to the Christian community. When no plots were allotted or registered in their names, they approached police, leading to an FIR in 2019. The total alleged loss amounts to Rs1.10 crore.
Investigators said Vipin Topo and his family, including Abha, Clara Kranti, and associate Nain Singh, signed land contracts with farmers. Instead of purchasing land in the Society’s name, the contracts were executed in the accused’s personal names.
Officials further revealed that one accused, Father Anand, changed his name to Joseph M.T. and allegedly obtained a fake passport and driving licence to conceal his role in the scam.
The arrests mark a key breakthrough in the probe, which continues to trace the remaining accused and recover funds for the defrauded families.
