Mother-Son Duo Behind Multi-Crore Property Document Forgery Scam Arrested in Guntur

Authorities in Nagarampalem reported the arrest of a 48-year-old woman, Palvai Prasanna Lakshmi, and her 31-year-old son, Palvai Jayakrishna, both residents of Pandaripuram in Guntur. The duo has been accused of conducting an elaborate real estate fraud operation that involved forging property ownership documents to sell land they did not legally own.

Decade-Long Fraud Operation Exposed

Police investigations revealed that the fraudulent activities commenced as early as 2015. In one of the most significant cases, the accused allegedly fabricated ownership documents for a valuable plot located in Kannavari Thota, Guntur, which was estimated to be worth approximately ₹4.5 crore. This property was subsequently sold to Pachipulusu Ramanatham, a 63-year-old resident from Piduguralla, who made payments in instalments before discovering that the land belonged to another party entirely.

When the victim confronted the accused about the fraudulent transaction and demanded the return of his money, investigators reported that Prasanna Lakshmi and her son not only refused to provide restitution but also resorted to intimidation tactics. This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to safeguard buyers from real estate scams, particularly as India moves toward digitizing property records.

Systematic Pattern of Real Estate Deception

The investigation has uncovered that this was far from an isolated incident. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that at least eight separate criminal cases have been registered against the accused across multiple police stations in the region, including Pattabhipuram, Mangalagiri Town, Nallapadu, Gudur One Town, and Achampet.

Despite having previous convictions, the mother-son duo continued their fraudulent operations by presenting themselves as legitimate real estate professionals. This pattern of repeat offenses underscores the importance of implementing robust verification systems and highlights why homebuyers should thoroughly vet builders and sellers before engaging in property transactions.

The case also demonstrates the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks like RERA in protecting homebuyers from unscrupulous operators in the real estate sector.

Investigation Continues, More Arrests Expected

Police officials have confirmed that the investigation remains active and comprehensive. They have indicated that additional arrests may be forthcoming as they continue to examine the full scope of the fraudulent operation and identify other potential victims or accomplices.

The authorities are also investigating whether the accused were involved in other real estate fraud schemes beyond the documented cases, particularly given the sophisticated nature of their document forgery operations.

Case Summary

This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in India's property market and emphasizes the critical importance of thorough due diligence when engaging in real estate transactions. The sophisticated nature of the document forgery and the repeated abuse of trust over nearly a decade underscore the need for enhanced verification processes and stronger legal protections for property buyers.

As India continues to modernize its property registration systems through initiatives like the Registration Bill 2025, such cases highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to prevent similar fraudulent activities in the future.

Law enforcement agencies have urged any individuals who may have had similar experiences or possess relevant information about these accused parties to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information from official police sources and ongoing investigations. The accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Readers are advised to verify information independently and consult legal professionals for advice on property transactions. The details presented are subject to change as the investigation progresses.