A major twist has emerged in the ongoing investigation into the high-value land scam in Agra’s Jagdishpura area, where disputed property records have triggered multiple cases over the past year. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has now uncovered two fresh benami (proxy) transactions involving a 576-square-meter plot near the Banara factory on Bodla Road.
According to officials, the disputed land has been at the centre of controversy since January 2024, when allegations of forged documents and illegal possession first surfaced. The property’s ownership has been contested, with claims that its original owner, Tehal Singh, was falsely declared dead in official records to facilitate fraudulent transfers.
Data Protection and DPDP Act Readiness: Hundreds of Senior Leaders Sign Up for CDPO Program
Dispute Over Ownership Deepens
On Wednesday, despite ongoing objections, Tehal Singh reportedly executed two new sale deeds for the disputed land. This development came even as 80-year-old claimant Nem Kumar Jain raised formal objections to prevent further transactions, but his appeals were not acted upon. Jain has also alleged threats to his life from Singh and his associates, prompting authorities to review the matter.
Administrative officials confirmed that the new sale deeds have been brought to their notice and an inquiry has been ordered. ADM (Finance) Shubhangi Shukla stated that the case will be thoroughly investigated to verify the legitimacy of these transactions.
The case dates back to 2023, when caretaker families residing on the land were implicated in separate criminal cases under the NDPS Act and the Excise Act. Following their arrests, allegations of fabricated charges and forged ownership claims were raised. Uma Devi, claiming to be the daughter-in-law of Tehal Singh, had also filed a case asserting her rights over the property, further complicating the dispute.
CID Investigation Reveals Forged Records
Initial probes by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under then DCP Suraj Rai revealed that forged death certificates had been created for Tehal Singh, enabling fraudulent land transfers. Several individuals, including a former Jagdishpura police station officer, were jailed in connection with the fraud.
After the SIT’s findings, the case was handed to the CID, which confirmed widespread manipulation of property documents. Its final report has been submitted to the state government. The emergence of new benami deeds has now raised questions over continuing loopholes in land registration and enforcement mechanisms.
Authorities are expected to intensify scrutiny, as the land, considered prime real estate in Agra, remains under dispute with multiple parties laying claim.
