Agra: In a shocking case highlighting rising fraud in the real estate sector, three accused were caught red-handed while attempting to sell a piece of land to its actual owners using forged documents. The accused had planned to strike a deal worth ₹4 crore, but their plot was foiled when the rightful owners set a trap and handed them over to the police.
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The incident took place in the Rohta area, where a valuable piece of land is registered in the names of two brothers, Madan Mohan and Nanak Chand. On April 29, they received information through a broker that some individuals were trying to sell their land using fake documents. Acting swiftly, the owners decided to call the suspects for a meeting under the pretext of negotiating the deal.
₹4 Crore Deal and ₹30 Lakh Advance Demand
On Wednesday evening around 8 pm, the three accused arrived at the location. During the discussion, they quoted a price of ₹4 crore per bigha and demanded an advance of ₹30 lakh to finalise the deal. They also claimed that the remaining payment could be completed within 18 months, after which the registry would be executed.
To gain trust, the accused presented land-related documents, including khasra-khatauni records, along with their Aadhaar cards. However, the real owners were stunned to find that the documents were linked to their own property but were entirely forged. Realising the fraud, they immediately overpowered the accused and informed the police.
Property Dealer Named as Mastermind
Upon receiving the information, police reached the spot and took the accused into custody. Initial investigation confirmed the fraud, following which a case was registered under relevant sections of cheating. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gajendra Chaudhary alias Bhola, Kishanveer, and Omveer.
During interrogation, it was revealed that Gajendra Chaudhary, a property dealer, is the mastermind behind the operation. He had detailed knowledge of vacant lands in the area and targeted properties where owners were not actively monitoring their assets.
The accused gathered information about the real landowners and projected Kishanveer and Omveer as fake owners. Forged Aadhaar cards and other identity documents were created to support their claim. Police are now searching for the operator of the common service centre where these fake documents were allegedly prepared.
Vacant Properties Under Scanner
Officials stated that such gangs have been active in the past as well, primarily targeting unattended or vacant properties. Using fabricated documents, they attempt to execute high-value land deals, and in many cases, they succeed, causing heavy financial losses to the actual owners.
The case exposes the extent to which real estate fraud has become organised and meticulously planned. Had the owners not received timely information, they could have suffered losses worth crores of rupees.
Thorough verification of documents is crucial before entering into any property transaction. Cross-checking land records with official registries and validating identity documents at the local level can help prevent such frauds.
Police are currently investigating the broader network involved in the scam and are trying to determine how many properties may have been targeted by this gang. The incident serves as a strong warning that even a small lapse in vigilance during real estate dealings can lead to massive financial losses.
