Moradabad: Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district have intensified an investigation into an alleged large-scale land fraud involving fake trusts and societies that were allegedly used to facilitate the illegal transfer of government and ceiling land. The administration is examining cases involving approximately 186 acres of land in the Sadar tehsil. Officials allege that fake trusts and societies were created to unlawfully transfer and sell land covered under the state’s land ceiling laws. Revenue records are being verified while legal and administrative action is underway.
According to preliminary information, irregularities have been identified in 63 acres of land in Thiriyadan village and 123 acres in the Barahi Lalpur, Mundhapande area. Together, the two cases involve around 186 acres of land. Authorities are investigating the circumstances under which the land was transferred and whether the transactions violated statutory provisions.
Revenue officials said proceedings have been initiated under the Uttar Pradesh Imposition of Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1960. Notices have been issued to 72 individuals in the Thiriyadan case and 123 individuals in the Barahi Lalpur matter. Those served notices have been asked to explain the ownership, transfer and related documentation concerning the land.
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The administration stated that under Section 6(1) of the Act, the concerned trust or institution is not permitted to sell such land or alter its legal status. Investigators are therefore examining whether the alleged transfers complied with the applicable legal provisions or constituted violations of the law.
Given the seriousness of the matter, the Divisional Commissioner has directed officials to conduct a comprehensive verification of land records across all affected locations. The district administration has also accelerated the process of identifying such properties and restoring them to their original classification in official revenue records. The objective is to eliminate irregularities in land records and prevent any unlawful transfer of government land.
Authorities said legal proceedings under the Ceiling Act have already been initiated. However, nearly 185 acres of land are yet to be formally restored to their original status in government records. The administration is prioritising this exercise and, where legally justified, plans to initiate proceedings for vesting the land with the state and preventing any further unauthorised transfers.
Experts say investigations into large-scale land fraud typically require detailed examination of digital land records, property registration documents, revenue files and financial transactions. Where fake trusts, forged documents or fraudulent identities are suspected, investigators often rely on documentary verification and financial trail analysis to determine the extent of the alleged fraud. They also emphasise that digitisation of land records, periodic audits and stronger verification mechanisms can significantly reduce the risk of such irregularities.
The investigation remains ongoing at the revenue and administrative levels. Authorities have not yet made any final determination regarding criminal liability. Any further legal or administrative action will depend on the responses to the notices, verification of land records, available evidence and the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
