Pune Police Register FIR Against 26 in Massive 6.32-Hectare Government Land Fraud Case Involving Forged Documents

The Dapodi police in Pune have reportedly registered a First Information Report against 26 individuals in connection with an alleged large-scale land fraud involving government property. According to police sources, the accused reportedly conspired to fabricate land ownership documents to illegally acquire 6.32 hectares of land belonging to the Maharashtra Livestock Development Board in Tathawade, Pune.

Alleged Conspiracy Involving Fake Sale Deed and Forged Land Records

Law enforcement officials have stated that the accused individuals, who are residents of various parts of Pune and Mumbai including areas such as Chinchwad, Sinhagad Road, Karvenagar, and NIBM Road, allegedly created a fraudulent sale deed in January 2025. The forged sale deed and manipulated 7/12 land extract were reportedly used to falsely establish ownership of Survey Number 20 in Tathawade.

The complaint was filed by Dr. Amol Sharad Aher, aged 39, who serves as Field Manager at the MLDB Bovine Breeding Farm. According to sources, the land has been under government ownership since 1945, with revenue records clearly indicating its status as state property.

Investigation Reveals Multiple Parties Involved in Land Fraud Scheme

Senior Inspector Mahadev Koli of Dapodi Police Station reportedly confirmed that the prime accused posed as the seller of the government land. Sources indicate that along with 25 other individuals, mostly identified as family members and relatives, the accused allegedly fabricated documents to falsely claim ownership and attempted to transfer the property to another party.

"The prime accused posed as the seller of government land and, along with 25 others — mostly family members and relatives — fabricated documents to falsely claim ownership and tried to sell the land to another party. We have also booked the buyer and the sub-registrar involved in registering the forged document," Senior Inspector Koli was quoted as saying.

According to investigators, the case also involves a sub-registrar at Dapodi who reportedly enabled the registration of the allegedly fraudulent sale deed despite clear revenue records indicating the land's non-transferable status. The incident highlights growing concerns about property title fraud in India and the need for stricter verification protocols.

Government Land Protected by Legal Restrictions Since 1945

Shitalkumar Mukane, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Livestock Development Board, reportedly emphasized the land's protected status. "The land has been in government possession since 1945. The 7/12 extract clearly shows it belongs to the state and includes a remark prohibiting sale without state approval. The deed is entirely illegal," Mukane was quoted as saying.

The 7/12 land record extract reportedly contains specific notations that prohibit any sale or transfer of the property without explicit approval from state authorities. This case underscores the importance of thorough verification of land records before property transactions.

Key Details of the Alleged Land Fraud Case

According to police sources, the case involves the following key elements:

• Land Area Involved: 6.32 hectares of government-owned property
• Location: Survey Number 20, Tathawade, Pune
• Ownership Status: Government land under Maharashtra Livestock Development Board control since 1945
• Date of Alleged Document Forgery: January 9, 2025
• Number of Accused: 26 individuals including alleged seller, buyer, and sub-registrar
• Nature of Alleged Crime: Fabrication of sale deed and manipulation of 7/12 land extract to transfer government land
• Reporting Authority: Dr. Amol Sharad Aher, Field Manager, MLDB Bovine Breeding Farm
• Investigating Agency: Dapodi Police Station

Legal Implications and Criminal Charges

According to legal experts, the accused reportedly face charges related to criminal conspiracy, forgery, cheating, and fraudulent registration under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The case represents one of several real estate fraud cases reported in Pune and surrounding areas in recent months.

Investigators are reportedly examining the role of the sub-registrar who facilitated the registration of the allegedly bogus sale deed. This aspect of the case raises questions about oversight mechanisms in property registration processes and the need for stronger safeguards against fraudulent transactions.

The investigation is also expected to explore whether similar fraud schemes may be operating in the region, with authorities looking into potential connections to organized real estate fraud rings.

Investigation Progress and Next Steps

Police sources indicate that investigators are currently in the process of verifying additional documentation related to the case. Arrest procedures are expected to be initiated following forensic verification of the allegedly forged records. The case is being closely monitored given its implications for real estate transactions in Pune and the broader need for enhanced security in land registration processes.

Authorities have reportedly indicated that the investigation may uncover additional aspects of the alleged fraud scheme, potentially leading to further action against other individuals who may have facilitated or benefited from the fraudulent transactions. The case highlights the growing importance of digitization of land records to prevent such fraudulent activities.

This incident serves as a reminder to property buyers and investors about the critical importance of conducting thorough due diligence, verifying land ownership through official channels, and ensuring that all documentation is authentic before proceeding with any real estate transaction. The case also underscores the need for prospective buyers to understand legal aspects of property purchases in India.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information from publicly available sources and police reports. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Readers are advised to verify all information independently and consult legal professionals before making any property-related decisions. The case is currently under investigation, and further details may emerge as the judicial process unfolds. This report should not be construed as legal advice or as establishing the guilt of any individual mentioned herein.