Kanpur: A suspected attempt to fraudulently register a plot worth around ₹1.5 crore has come to light at the Kanpur Development Authority (KDA) under its Ratanpur Extension Scheme. Plot No. A-3 was allegedly being prepared for registration by presenting another woman as the original allottee, Ramani Devi. The alleged fraud involved manipulating the old KDA file, inserting duplicate and forged documents, and preparing a fake identity for the woman. The registration was stopped after KDA officials became suspicious, and an FIR has now been registered for further investigation.
Plot Was Allotted Around 25 Years Ago
The M.I.G. plot in the Ratanpur Extension Scheme was allotted to Ramani Devi around 25 years ago. According to the available information, the original allottee had been unable to clear the entire outstanding amount payable to KDA, because of which the registration of the plot had remained pending.
The alleged fraudsters are suspected of exploiting this situation. Brokers allegedly colluded with certain KDA employees to create a plan to take control of the plot and facilitate its registration in the name of another person. The plot is estimated to be worth around ₹1.5 crore.
As part of the alleged plan, around ₹30 lakh in outstanding dues was deposited into the KDA account. Investigators suspect that the payment was intended to create the impression that the allottee had cleared the dues and was therefore eligible for registration.
‘New Ramani’ Allegedly Created in Old File
According to the preliminary findings, another woman was allegedly prepared to appear as Ramani Devi during the registration process. Documents relating to the original allottee in the KDA file were allegedly duplicated or manipulated, while a fake identity document was also reportedly prepared.
The alleged objective was to make it appear that the woman appearing for registration was the actual allottee and that the outstanding dues on the plot had been cleared. The payment of approximately ₹30 lakh allegedly strengthened the basis for moving the registration process forward.
The suspected strategy was also aimed at putting pressure on officials by creating the impression that the allottee had been waiting for registration for a long time and that the process should therefore be completed without further delay.
Officer Became Suspicious in March
The alleged fraud came under scrutiny in March when KDA OSD Meenakshi Gupta reportedly became suspicious of the identity of the woman being presented for registration. She suspected that the woman was not the original allottee, Ramani Devi.
Following the suspicion, an inquiry was initiated and the registration process was stopped. Officials examined the documents and information contained in the KDA file and reportedly found discrepancies. KDA Secretary Abhay Kumar Pandey also directed that the registration should not proceed.
The vigilance of the officials prevented the alleged scheme from being completed. Had the registration gone through, the suspected fraudsters could potentially have gained control over a property valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore.
Alleged Attempt to Take Control Through Forged Documents
The preliminary inquiry suggests that the alleged conspiracy was not limited to arranging a woman to impersonate the original allottee. The old KDA records were allegedly used to create an appearance of authenticity, while duplicate and forged documents were reportedly inserted into the file.
Investigators are examining how the documents were prepared, who had access to the KDA records and whether any employees or intermediaries assisted in the alleged manipulation. The role of brokers is also being investigated.
FIR Registered, Investigation Underway
Following the discovery of the suspected fraud, an FIR was registered with the police. Investigators are now trying to identify the people who allegedly prepared the forged documents, arranged the woman to impersonate Ramani Devi and facilitated access to the KDA records.
Police are also examining the role of individuals associated with the registration process and KDA employees who may have had access to the relevant file. Another key aspect of the investigation is whether similar attempts were made involving other KDA properties.
The registration of Plot No. A-3 has been stopped for now. Police and KDA officials are examining the documents, payment records and other evidence to determine how the alleged conspiracy was planned and who was involved. The investigation is continuing, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the probe.
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.
