Hathras | A major land fraud case involving agricultural property worth nearly ₹60 crore has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district, where 19 people, including a former sub-registrar and document writers, have been booked for allegedly attempting to illegally seize valuable land and a farmhouse using forged documents. The case has triggered widespread attention in the region, with police launching a detailed investigation into the alleged conspiracy.
The matter pertains to Gurusauti village in the Sadabad area of Hathras district. Agra resident Ravindra Mohan Pachauri filed the complaint, alleging that a group of individuals conspired to illegally claim ownership of his legally purchased agricultural land and the developed farmhouse built on it. According to the complaint, forged documents were allegedly created to establish fraudulent claims over the high-value property.
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The complainant stated that during 2010-11, he legally purchased approximately 2.2730 hectares of agricultural land located under plot numbers 375 and 410 in Mauja Gurusauti through registered sale deeds. He claimed that the transaction was completed in the presence of the sellers and their family members, who also acted as witnesses during the registry process.
According to Ravindra Mohan Pachauri, after purchasing the land he carried out extensive development work on the property. Barbed-wire fencing was installed for security purposes, roadside boundary structures were constructed, and later an “Orchid Farm House” was developed on the site. The complaint alleges that ever since the farmhouse was established, certain local individuals had been eyeing the property, leading to recurring disputes and tensions.
The victim further alleged that over the past few years, incidents including theft, arson and extortion attempts had taken place at the farmhouse premises, and complaints regarding these incidents had previously been submitted to police authorities. However, the dispute allegedly escalated significantly when the accused persons purportedly attempted to seize the property through fabricated documents.
According to the FIR, on November 12, 2024, the accused allegedly conspired together and prepared a forged agreement related to the agricultural land and Orchid Farm House. The complainant claimed that several residents of Gurusauti village, along with document writers and other outside individuals, played a major role in executing the alleged forgery.
Among those named in the complaint are multiple residents of Gurusauti village. Allegations have also been levelled against the then sub-registrar of Sadabad and document writers, who are accused of allegedly facilitating the preparation and validation of forged property documents.
The complainant has further alleged that the accused are attempting to mentally harass and pressure him through blackmail and extortion tactics. According to the complaint, continuous intimidation and threats have caused severe mental stress to the victim. He also described the accused as influential and aggressive individuals, expressing concerns regarding his personal safety.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, police have registered a case under relevant legal provisions and initiated a detailed investigation. Officials are currently examining the authenticity of the disputed documents, land ownership records and the alleged forged agreement. Investigators are also trying to determine whether an organised network involved in fraudulent land documentation was operating behind the scenes.
Authorities have begun verifying revenue records, registry documents and related paperwork connected to the disputed property. Sources indicated that forensic examination of signatures and property records may also be conducted if required to establish the authenticity of the documents involved in the case.
The alleged fraud has once again raised serious questions regarding land transaction procedures and document verification systems at the local level. Police officials stated that further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, and if the allegations of forgery are substantiated, the involvement of additional individuals may also come under scrutiny.
