Lucknow | A major property fraud and forgery case has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow district, where police have uncovered an alleged conspiracy to illegally seize ancestral land using forged inheritance documents, fake identity claims, and bank accounts opened in the name of relatives. In connection with the case, Mohanlalganj police have arrested a 67-year-old accused identified as Mohammad Ashfaq Mirza alias Babu Miyan, while the alleged mastermind in the case is already lodged in judicial custody.
According to investigators, the case revolves around an attempt to claim ownership over ancestral land located in Gram Amethi under Mohanlalganj tehsil by falsely presenting fabricated legal documents and fraudulent succession claims before authorities and the court. Police believe the accused persons carefully planned the operation to create a fake lineage and manipulate official records in order to gain control over the disputed property.
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The complaint in the matter was filed on December 11, 2025, by Sameer Mirza, a resident of Kaiserbagh in Lucknow. In his complaint, he alleged that Farid Mirza and several associates had conspired to illegally occupy his family’s ancestral land through forged paperwork and fabricated legal claims. Following the complaint, police initiated an investigation into the authenticity of the documents and the individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy.
During the probe, investigators reportedly discovered that the prime accused, Mohammad Farid Mirza, had presented himself as the legal heir of the complainant’s deceased uncle, Khusro Mirza. Police said documents submitted in support of the inheritance claim were later found to be forged and fabricated. Authorities suspect that the accused attempted to use manipulated succession records and legal paperwork to establish a false ownership claim over the property.
Police officials stated that arrested accused Mohammad Ashfaq Mirza is a relative of Farid Mirza and allegedly played a supporting role in the operation. During interrogation, Ashfaq reportedly admitted that he signed several documents at the request of Farid Mirza. Investigators further revealed that a bank account had also been opened in Ashfaq’s name and was allegedly used for documentation-related and financial activities connected to the case.
According to police sources, investigators are now examining whether forged banking records, identity documents, and property-related affidavits were systematically prepared to strengthen the fake inheritance claim. Digital evidence, transaction details, document trails, and signatures are also being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police said the main accused, Farid Mirza, is already in judicial custody in connection with the case. Authorities are now identifying the role of other individuals who may have assisted in preparing forged paperwork, arranging financial transactions, or facilitating legal procedures linked to the alleged land-grab conspiracy.
Investigators suspect the matter may involve a broader network specializing in fraudulent property disputes and fake succession claims. Land-related frauds involving forged family records, fabricated wills, impersonation, and manipulated revenue documents have witnessed a sharp rise in several states over the past few years, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions where property values have increased significantly.
Cyber and financial crime analysts say such frauds are increasingly becoming more sophisticated, with accused persons using forged digital records, fake identity credentials, and banking channels to create seemingly legitimate ownership trails. In several cases, elderly relatives or distant family members are allegedly used as proxy account holders or witnesses to avoid suspicion during legal scrutiny.
According to a cyber expert associated with Future Crime Research Foundation, “Property frauds involving forged inheritance claims are becoming highly organized. Fraudsters often misuse legal loopholes, fake affidavits, manipulated succession certificates, and banking records to create an appearance of legitimacy. Families should regularly verify property records, mutation entries, and legal ownership documents to prevent unauthorized claims.”
Experts also advise property owners to monitor court filings, revenue records, and banking activities linked to ancestral assets, while immediately reporting suspicious documentation or inheritance claims to police and revenue authorities.
