A case of alleged land fraud involving ₹60 lakh has surfaced in the city, where a businessman from Gosainganj claims he was duped by a group of individuals who sold him a plot that had already been registered in someone else’s name. Following his complaint, police at Bijnor police station have registered a case against eight persons, including a property dealer.
Property Dealer Introduces Fake Deal
According to the complaint filed by Ramesh Rawat, a resident of Sadarpur market in Gosainganj, he came into contact with property dealer Vakil Ahmad, a resident of Hemrapur in Malihabad, in January 2025. During discussions regarding investment in land, Ahmad introduced him to Krishna Sethi, a resident of Mal Avenue. The two later showed Rawat a plot located in Lonha village under Bijnor police station limits.
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₹60 Lakh Paid for Already Sold Plot
Rawat stated that he was informed the land belonged to an acquaintance named Vijay, who was looking to sell it. A meeting was arranged with Vijay, and after negotiations, the deal for the plot was finalised at ₹40 lakh. Soon after, the accused allegedly informed him that the land would need to be converted into residential category, for which an additional ₹35 lakh would be required. He was assured that all formalities would be completed legally and that there would be no complications in the future.
Trusting their assurances, Rawat claims he transferred a total of ₹60 lakh in installments. The money was deposited into the bank accounts of Vijay and his brother Vipin Kumar. He was shown certain documents as proof of ownership and ongoing procedures, which he relied upon while proceeding with the transaction.
Revenue Records Expose Double Sale
However, doubts arose when Rawat decided to independently verify the land records. Upon scrutiny of revenue documents, it was revealed that the same plot had already been sold to another individual prior to his transaction. Official records indicated that ownership had already been transferred, exposing the alleged fraud.
FIR Against Eight Accused
In his complaint, Rawat alleged that the accused conspired to resell an already transferred property and deliberately concealed crucial information. By presenting selective documents and giving repeated assurances, they allegedly induced him to part with a substantial sum of money.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered against Vakil Ahmad, Krishna Sethi, Vijay, Vipin Kumar and four others under relevant sections pertaining to cheating, criminal conspiracy and breach of trust. Investigators are currently examining bank transactions, original land records and any agreements executed during the deal.
Police Probe Wider Network
Authorities are also probing whether the accused may have carried out similar transactions with other prospective buyers. Sources indicated that instances of multiple sales of the same property have been reported in recent times, particularly in rapidly developing areas on the outskirts of the city. Officials advised prospective buyers to conduct thorough verification of revenue records and ownership status before finalising any land deal.
Rawat further alleged that when he sought the return of his money after discovering the discrepancy, the accused began avoiding communication and stopped responding to his calls. He then approached the police seeking legal action and recovery of his funds.
The investigation is ongoing, and police officials stated that further action will be taken based on evidence collected during the inquiry. Efforts are also being made to trace the flow of funds and establish the exact sequence of transactions related to the disputed plot.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
