In a case involving fake loan applications in Kerala, the High Court at Ernakulam confirmed that two people were guilty of trying to get a loan using fake documents. The court's decision on November 20, 2025, emphasized how serious the crime was.
Back in 2003, a group of people, including P.D. Devassia and M.P. Elias, tried to get a ₹5 lakh loan from the State Co-operative Bank in Idukki. They used documents in the name of Mathai Philip, a man who had died in 1981. The plan was discovered when a letter sent to Mathai Philip was returned, leading to a police complaint.
The government lawyers accused P.D. Devassia and M.P. Elias of breaking laws against corruption and other laws about lying and cheating. They claimed that Devassia and Elias pretended to be Mathai Philip to get important documents like tax receipts and ownership certificates.
"P.D. Devassia is sentenced to two years in jail and a fine of ₹5,000/-," stated the court.
Justice A. Badharudeen, who was in charge of the case, found the proof against Devassia and Elias convincing. People who worked at the bank and in the village testified about the fake activities. The court noted that M.P. Elias, who had died during the trial, was involved in making fake certificates.
The special court had initially sentenced Devassia and Elias to different jail terms and fines. The appeals by Devassia and Elias were rejected, with the court noting that the evidence clearly showed they were guilty.
The defense argued that the investigation was unfair and biased against Devassia and Elias. However, the court found that Devassia and Elias were clearly involved in making fake documents and trying to cheat the bank.
The court confirmed that Devassia was guilty and had to go to jail immediately to serve his sentence. This case shows the serious consequences of pretending to be someone else and trying to cheat others.
