Massive Land Registration Scam Busted in Jangaon

Warangal: A major fraud involving the new Bhu Bharathi land registration system has been uncovered in Jangaon district, leading to the registration of an FIR against an organised gang accused of siphoning off government funds through digital manipulation.

The scam came to light during a routine verification of land registration transactions by Jangaon Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) Hussain, who discovered that the government treasury had been cheated of lakhs of rupees. Taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, the Telangana Lokayukta ordered a high-level probe into the organised diversion of public funds.

According to investigators, the accused adopted a sophisticated method to misappropriate stamp duty and registration fees. While landowners paid the full amount, the gang allegedly used specialised software to manipulate digital payment receipts. In one instance, when Rs 1,26,133 was payable to the government, only Rs 1,261 was actually credited, with the balance amount pocketed by the accused. A forged digital receipt showing full payment was then submitted to authorities.

Jangaon police and Task Force teams have so far taken four suspects into custody, including an internet centre operator from Yadagirigutta, believed to be the kingpin. Preliminary investigation suggests the racket was widespread, with the gang allegedly working in coordination with more than 150 internet and MeeSeva centre operators across various districts of Telangana. In Jangaon alone, 22 fraudulent challans have been detected, while the overall scam is estimated to run into crores of rupees statewide.

The fraud was detected during a balance sheet audit at the tahsildar’s office, where MRO Hussain identified 10 specific documents in which the government suffered losses exceeding ₹8.5 lakh in a single day. Based on his complaint, police registered cases under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, including charges of cheating, forgery of electronic records and criminal conspiracy.

Investigators are also probing whether a technical team associated with the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) may have knowingly or unknowingly facilitated the breach.

Following the revelations, the Lokayukta directed the State Chief Secretary, the Commissioner of Stamps and Registration, and the I-T commissioner to submit a comprehensive report. Cyber Crime units have now joined the investigation to trace the digital trail of the manipulated receipts. Officials said more arrests are likely as the probe expands to other districts where similar Bhu Bharathi-related irregularities are suspected.