Kanpur Dehat | A major alleged land scam linked to a proposed 1320 MW power plant project in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur Dehat has now come under intensive investigation, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) beginning ground-level inquiries into the suspected ₹400 crore fraud. Authorities have started examining land acquisition records, mortgage documents, government permissions, and bank transactions connected to the controversial project.
According to investigators, the case revolves around large parcels of land acquired in 2011 for the purpose of establishing a thermal power plant in the Bhognipur tehsil region. Officials suspect that instead of developing the promised industrial project, the land was allegedly used to obtain huge bank loans through questionable mortgage arrangements and forged documentation.
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The SIT on Wednesday visited Chaparghata and Amiliya villages to verify which portions of land belonged to farmers and which were classified as government or acquired land. Revenue records, mortgage approvals, and banking documents related to the disputed properties have been sought from both the tehsil administration and concerned financial institutions.
Preliminary findings suggest that land in villages including Amiliya, Sihari, Kachhgaon and Chaparghata had been allotted to Himavat Power Private Limited for the proposed power project. Similarly, land in Kripalpur, Rasulpur Bhurunda, Bharatouli and nearby areas was reportedly acquired for Lanco Anpara Power Limited. Investigators allege that despite acquiring extensive land parcels, no actual power plant infrastructure was ever developed on-site.
Authorities suspect that forged or manipulated documents may have been used to mortgage the acquired land to banks without obtaining mandatory permission from the state government. Officials believe the companies may have secured massive loans against the land and later abandoned the project, leaving financial liabilities and disputed ownership issues behind.
The alleged irregularities reportedly surfaced when proceedings related to auction and recovery of mortgaged land began. During scrutiny of records, investigators found discrepancies in ownership permissions, land transfer approvals, and mortgage documentation. Officials estimate that the alleged fraud may have caused financial losses ranging between ₹300 crore and ₹400 crore.
A formal FIR in the matter was registered on April 12 at Musanagar police station following a complaint by the Bhognipur tehsil administration. The complaint reportedly names a former ADM (Land Acquisition), officials associated with the companies involved, and certain bank personnel. Investigators suspect possible collusion in facilitating the mortgage process and approving loans against disputed or restricted land parcels.
To examine the case comprehensively, a five-member SIT has been constituted comprising officers from Bhognipur police station, the cyber cell, and the crime branch. The team is currently reviewing land acquisition files, mortgage records, bank sanction documents, ownership certificates, and communication between the companies and financial institutions.
Sources associated with the probe said investigators are also examining whether digital manipulation or forged documentation techniques were used during the mortgage approval process. Revenue maps, land classification records, and registry documents are being cross-verified to determine whether government land was illegally pledged as collateral.
On Wednesday, SIT members, along with local administrative officials, conducted a physical inspection of land parcels in Chaparghata and Amiliya villages. Officials reportedly interacted with local residents and reviewed historical land records to establish the original ownership and acquisition status of the disputed properties.
Experts dealing with land fraud and financial crime investigations say cases involving industrial projects, land acquisition, and bank loans have become increasingly complex in recent years. According to legal and banking analysts, fraudulent mortgaging of acquired land can create serious consequences not only for financial institutions but also for government revenue systems, infrastructure planning, and local development projects.
Financial crime experts further note that such scams often involve layered documentation, shell entities, manipulated approvals, and coordinated transactions across multiple departments. They believe forensic audits of banking records and digital document trails will play a crucial role in identifying the complete network behind the alleged fraud.
Officials stated that the SIT is continuing its detailed probe and further legal action will depend on evidence gathered during the investigation. Authorities are also examining whether additional beneficiaries, intermediaries, or institutional actors were involved in facilitating the alleged land and loan fraud network.
