Police in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 31 named individuals and several unidentified persons in connection with an alleged ₹100 crore Gram Sabha land scam. Investigators allege that forged lease documents were used to fraudulently obtain allotment, mutation and possession of approximately 2.4 hectares of valuable government land.
Following registration of the case, authorities have begun a detailed examination of historical revenue records, lease files and official land documents to determine the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
FIR Based on Revenue Department Complaint
The case was registered at Sambhal Kotwali Police Station following a complaint filed by a revenue department official.
According to the complaint, official records relating to Gram Sabha land situated in Takhtgushain village along the Sambhal–Moradabad road were allegedly manipulated to transfer government-owned land into the names of private individuals.
Preliminary findings indicate that the alleged irregularities may have caused significant loss to public property.
Investigation Focuses on 2008 Mutation Entries
Police said the investigation has revealed that the disputed land was allegedly mutated in 2008 on the basis of forged lease documents.
Among those named in the FIR are:
- Former Deputy Director of Consolidation Khem Singh Khadak
- Former Sambhal Municipal Council Executive Officer Raj Kumar Gupta
- Alleged leaseholder Saeedul Rahman Khan
- His legal heirs
- Several other individuals
Investigators have stated that additional persons may be brought under the scope of the investigation if further evidence emerges.
Authorities Scrutinising Revenue Records
According to the FIR, forged documents were allegedly used during both the allotment and mutation processes.
Investigating officers are examining:
- Historical revenue records
- Mutation orders
- Lease documentation
- Land ownership files
- Official administrative records
The objective is to determine how the alleged forged lease documents were created, when the records were altered, and whether public officials or private individuals facilitated the alleged fraud.
Criminal Charges Registered
Police have booked the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to:
- Cheating
- Forgery
- Use of forged documents
- Other applicable offences
Authorities have also invoked provisions dealing with alleged damage to public property.
Officials stated that forensic examination of documents, verification of revenue records and questioning of officials and other witnesses will form part of the ongoing investigation.
Probe Expands to Financial Benefits
Investigators are also examining whether any individuals or entities derived financial gains through the alleged illegal occupation of the Gram Sabha land.
Authorities said they are verifying:
- Subsequent use of the land
- Ownership transfers
- Financial transactions
- Possible commercial exploitation
- Links to additional beneficiaries
Officials added that if evidence establishes the involvement of further persons or organisations, appropriate legal action will be initiated.
Public Land Under Legal Protection
Experts in land administration note that Gram Sabha land constitutes public property and is governed by specific statutory procedures regarding allotment, mutation and use.
Any transfer or mutation based on forged documents or manipulated revenue records can result in significant losses to the public exchequer while undermining the integrity of the land administration system.
Legal Position
The investigation remains ongoing.
The allegations contained in the FIR have not yet been established before a court of law. The registration of an FIR or initiation of criminal proceedings does not constitute proof of guilt. All accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty through due judicial process.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Fraud involving public land often relies on the manipulation of historical revenue records, forged documentation and irregular mutation processes. Such cases require extensive forensic verification of land records, administrative approvals and ownership histories. Strengthening digitisation of land records, improving document authentication mechanisms and conducting periodic audits of government land remain critical safeguards against large-scale encroachment and revenue fraud.
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