Bhilai: Acting on the directions of a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court, the Utai Police in Chhattisgarh have registered an FIR against Bhilai Municipal Corporation (BMC) corporator Reeta Singh, her husband Ramesh Chand Singh Rajput, and their son Manav Chand Singh Rajput in connection with an alleged ₹4.39 crore land and mining asset fraud. The case stems from allegations that the accused entered into a land sale agreement despite allegedly concealing material facts regarding the ownership and legal status of several properties included in the transaction. The court, after examining the complaint and preliminary inquiry report, found prima facie grounds to direct registration of the FIR and instructed the police to submit a compliance report within 15 days.
According to police sources, the complaint was filed by B.B. Singh, who alleged that on January 29, 2024, he entered into a written agreement with the accused for the purchase of land situated in village Chhata, Tehsil Patan, Durg district, along with certain movable mining-related assets. The agreement reportedly included the transfer of a Tata Hitachi hydraulic excavator and two Bharat Benz tipper trucks as part of the overall transaction. The total consideration for the deal was fixed at ₹4.50 crore, out of which the complainant alleged that he had already paid ₹4.39 crore to the accused.
The complaint alleges that the accused deliberately concealed significant information relating to the ownership and transferability of several land parcels covered under the agreement. According to the allegations, portions of the land either belonged to third parties or were subject to legal restrictions that prevented their lawful transfer. Some parcels were allegedly government lease land, which could not legally be sold or transferred to private individuals under applicable laws. The complainant has alleged that these facts were intentionally withheld while executing the agreement.
Investigators are also examining allegations that certain parcels were falsely represented as “donation land” (Daan Bhoomi). The complainant claimed that the land was presented as legally transferable property but was later found to be cultivable agricultural land that was not legally eligible for sale in the manner represented. The alleged misrepresentation, according to the complaint, induced the buyer to proceed with the transaction and make substantial payments under the belief that the title and ownership of the properties were clear.
The complainant further alleged that despite approaching the police with his grievance, no criminal case was registered initially. He subsequently moved the court seeking legal intervention. After reviewing the complaint, supporting documentary evidence and the preliminary inquiry conducted by the police, the JMFC court concluded that sufficient prima facie material existed to warrant registration of a criminal case. The court thereafter directed the Utai Police to immediately register an FIR and submit a compliance report within the stipulated period.
Following the court’s order, the Utai Police formally registered the case against all three accused and initiated a detailed investigation. Officials said investigators will examine the sale agreement, revenue records, ownership documents, land classification records and financial transactions connected with the deal. Statements of the complainant, witnesses and other concerned persons are also expected to be recorded as part of the investigation to determine whether offences relating to cheating, criminal misrepresentation or other applicable provisions have been committed.
Police officials said the investigation is presently focused on verifying the factual allegations contained in the complaint and establishing whether the accused knowingly executed the agreement despite being aware of the disputed ownership or legal restrictions attached to the properties. Authorities are also expected to examine the transfer of funds, the ownership history of the mining equipment included in the agreement and the authenticity of documents submitted during the transaction.
The case highlights the growing risks associated with high-value land transactions involving multiple properties and movable assets. Investigators are expected to scrutinise documentary evidence, financial records and official land revenue data to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and identify whether any additional individuals or entities were involved in facilitating the transaction. The outcome of the investigation will determine the nature of criminal liability and any further legal action against the accused.
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.
