An alleged fraud involving government land has come to light in the Chandgad tehsil area of Kolhapur district. A forged order was allegedly prepared in the name of the Additional Collector using a counterfeit seal and digital signature of the Collectorate. The document was then allegedly submitted to the Chandgad tehsil office as a genuine government order, leading to the conversion of around 12 acres of government-owned land in Malviwadi village from Class-II to Class-I. The land was subsequently transferred into private names and allegedly sold for ₹29 lakh. A case has been registered at Chandgad police station against Tatoba Bhikaji Gawda, a resident of Mugali.
The complaint was filed by in-charge Naib Tehsildar Shashikant Bapusaheb Killendar. According to the complaint, the alleged fraud had been continuing for around 10 months. The land bearing Gat No. 230 in Malviwadi village is owned by the government. Gawda allegedly used a counterfeit seal of the Collectorate and a forged digital signature to prepare an order purportedly issued in the name of the Additional Collector.
Forged order allegedly submitted to tehsil office
According to the allegations, the document was presented at the Chandgad tehsil office as an authentic government order. On the basis of the purported order, the classification of the government land was allegedly changed from Class-II to Class-I. This change subsequently facilitated the transfer of the land into private names.
The investigation found that the land was subsequently recorded in the names of Vilas Ganpati Patil, Arun Ganpati Patil, Narayan Ganpati Patil and Parshuram Ganpati Patil, all residents of Tudaye. The 12-acre parcel was then allegedly transferred through a registered sale deed for ₹29 lakh.
The complaint alleges that land reportedly worth several crores was converted into private property through manipulation of official records before being sold. The alleged misuse of government seals, digital signatures and revenue records is now a key part of the investigation.
Irregularities surfaced through RTI
The alleged fraud came to light through documents obtained under the Right to Information Act. Examination of the records obtained through the RTI process reportedly revealed discrepancies concerning the ownership of the land, its classification and the order used to justify the change.
Following the revelations, the administration examined the relevant records. Sub-Divisional Officer Eknath Kalbande took cognisance of the matter and directed action against those allegedly involved. Based on the complaint and documents available with the administration, a case was registered at Chandgad police station.
The investigation is now focused on the entire sequence, from preparation and submission of the alleged forged order to the change in land classification and subsequent sale.
Digital signature and revenue records under scrutiny
Investigators are examining how the Collectorate seal and digital signature were allegedly copied and incorporated into the purported order. They are also looking into how the document was accepted at the tehsil office and how it subsequently resulted in changes to the official land records.
The authorities are examining the chain of transactions involving the land after its alleged conversion from Class-II to Class-I. The transfer into the names of four individuals and the subsequent registered sale deed are also being scrutinised.
Revenue records, the alleged forged order, digital documents, registration papers and documents relating to ownership are expected to form an important part of the investigation. Investigators are also examining whether the procedures followed for changing the classification and ownership complied with applicable rules.
Role of others also being examined
Investigators are also trying to establish the precise role allegedly played by Tatoba Gawda in preparing and using the purported forged order. They are examining whether other individuals were involved in getting the government land transferred into private names and subsequently sold.
The involvement of people connected with the mutation process and sale transaction is also expected to come under scrutiny. Authorities are likely to examine the records and financial details associated with the ₹29 lakh transaction to establish the sequence of events.
The case involves allegations of unlawful transfer of government land, use of forged documents, alleged misuse of a digital signature and irregularities in the subsequent sale process. The investigation will determine how the 12-acre government property was allegedly converted into Class-I land and transferred to private individuals before being sold for ₹29 lakh. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
