Kanpur: Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested Rev. Johnson T. John, Managing Director and ex-officio Chairman of the Lucknow Diocese Trust Association (LDTA), in connection with the alleged fraud involving Nazul land at Kanpur’s Epiphany Compound in Chunniganj, estimated to be worth nearly ₹1,000 crore. According to police, the accused is believed to be the alleged mastermind behind the case. He was arrested from Lucknow after a non-bailable warrant was issued against him by a court. Following the completion of legal formalities, he was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody.
According to investigators, the case relates to Nazul land located at the Epiphany Compound in Chunniganj, whose estimated market value is around ₹1,000 crore. Police allege that forged documents and criminal conspiracy were used to divide the land into smaller plots and sell them to multiple buyers. The investigation alleges that plots ranging from approximately 100 square metres to 450 square metres were carved out and transferred through unauthorised transactions.
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The FIR in the case was registered in 2024 at Colonelganj Police Station on the basis of a complaint submitted by the Revenue Department. Following the investigation, police have already filed a charge sheet against 12 accused, including former minister Shiv Kumar Beria. Investigators are now examining the role of the newly arrested accused and gathering evidence regarding the involvement of other individuals connected to the alleged fraud.
Police further claim that the alleged network was not confined to Kanpur alone. Investigators are examining suspected activities linked to Delhi, Uttarakhand and Agra as part of the broader probe. According to police records, Rev. Johnson T. John is reportedly facing three cheating cases in Kanpur, one in Agra, two in Nainital and one in Delhi. Authorities are reviewing these cases to determine whether they reveal a wider pattern of alleged fraudulent activities.
Earlier in the investigation, police had also arrested Salim Biryani in connection with the alleged illegal occupation of the Epiphany Compound land. During questioning, investigators alleged that Rev. Johnson T. John had entered into agreements involving nearly 16,000 square yards of land worth several crores of rupees. Police are also examining the alleged roles of Saif Ahmad, Irshad Hussain, Danish Khalili and advocate Anup Jaiswal, among others.
Experts note that investigations into large-scale land fraud typically involve detailed scrutiny of revenue records, property registration documents, banking transactions, digital records and forensic examination of documentary evidence. Where forged documents, fabricated identities or unlawful agreements are suspected, investigators rely on financial trail analysis and document verification to establish the extent of the alleged fraud. They also emphasise that digitisation of land records, regular audits and stricter verification during property registration can significantly reduce the risk of such irregularities.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are examining land records, financial transactions, documentary evidence and other materials related to the case. Any further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the evidence collected. If additional individuals or further irregularities are identified during the probe, action will be taken in accordance with the law.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
