Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two individuals in connection with an alleged ₹5.67 crore land fraud, in which a charitable trust was reportedly sold 14 plots of land that were already mortgaged to a bank and allegedly sold to another buyer years earlier. Investigators have launched a detailed probe into the ownership records, financial transactions, and legal documents related to the land deal.
According to police, the case was registered following a complaint filed by Mohammad Iqbal, trustee of the Career Convent Educational and Charitable Trust. The trust was searching for land to establish a school and college when Bhola Nath Shukla and Vinay Kumar Shukla, who allegedly introduced themselves as directors of Tripurari Shelters Pvt. Ltd., offered to sell 14 plots located in Mahona, Bakshi Ka Talab.
The complaint states that the trust purchased the plots for ₹5.67 crore, and the properties were subsequently registered in the trust’s name after completion of the required legal formalities. Believing the land to be free from any legal encumbrances, the trust began preparations for constructing the proposed educational institution.
The alleged fraud came to light on May 1, when construction work commenced. According to the complaint, a bank official visited the site and informed representatives of the trust that the land had already been mortgaged to secure a bank loan. The official also warned that the bank could initiate possession proceedings if the outstanding loan remained unpaid.
The complainant further alleged that a subsequent verification of property records revealed that the same land had already been sold in 1985 to Mohit Sethi. The discovery raised suspicions that the trust had been sold disputed property on the basis of misleading or fraudulent documentation. The complaint also alleges that when the trust questioned the sellers and sought clarification, the accused allegedly threatened the complainant.
Following a preliminary inquiry, police found sufficient grounds to register an FIR against the two accused on charges related to cheating and other applicable offences. Investigators are now examining the sale deeds, ownership records, mortgage documents, revenue records, and other legal paperwork to determine the actual ownership status of the land and the circumstances under which it was transferred to the trust.
Authorities are also investigating whether other individuals, companies, or intermediaries were involved in the alleged fraud. If additional evidence emerges during the investigation, more accused could be named in the case. Police are further tracing the financial transactions to determine where the ₹5.67 crore paid by the trust was transferred and how the funds were subsequently utilised.
Property law experts say such cases highlight the importance of conducting comprehensive due diligence before purchasing land. Independent verification of ownership records, mortgage status, prior sale transactions, revenue documents, and bank encumbrances is considered essential to avoid disputes. Cases involving multiple sales of the same property, concealed mortgages, and fraudulent documentation continue to pose significant challenges in real estate transactions. Police said the investigation is ongoing, and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the probe.
