Frauds dime a dozen in land transactions

Rajendranagar: In their attempt to resell government lands, some fraudsters prepared fake documents and lured the gullible on the pretext of selling land at cheaper prices. This came to light at Kismatpur under Rajendranagar, prompting the officials to order a probe into the matter.

The scam unfolded when a few of the victims approached the police as well as RDO Rajendranagar to record their plight before the officials along with written complaints.

According to a complaint, the erstwhile government of erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh had distributed as many as 175 plots by developing a layout at Dargah Khalijkhan, Kismathpur Village. However, several people sold their plots and disappeared.

"Taking advantage of some unknown owners, a few people with a mala fide intention began efforts to resell the plots by altering patta certificates and forging signatures of RDO Chevella. They even managed to obtain the format copies of patta certificates purportedly available only at MRO office in order to use them as and when the prospective buyers approach them to buy the plots,'' alleged E Sattaya another victim.

The trouble began when the new owners started making construction over the plots. The revenue officials, on a tip-off, rushed to the spot with bulldozers and razed the constructions claiming that the possession holders were not the actual legitimate owners of the plots.

"The scamsters with a mala fide intention are re-selling the already sold plots at Sy No 132/1, situated at Dargah Khalijkhan by altering the documents and forging RDO's signature," alleged Mohammed Javeed one of the complainant who had bought a plot at Rs 9.5 lakh.

"Though the complaints have been lodged, no proper action is being initiated against the fraudulent who are still duping the gullible people. After a brief detention, these accused get scot free again from the police clutches to fleece the people with fake and forged documents," said Md Zaheeruddin, a social activist.

"The new buyers came to know about the game plan of fraudulent only after the revenue officials entered into picture and razed the semi constructed structures. By the time the fraudsters managed to swindle money and even if these culprits get caught by the police, they return only to cause more trouble to the buyers," said Mirza Khasimbaig, another victim.

Upon receiving complaints, the RDO of Rajendranagar, K Chandrakala, has asked the MRO Gandipet to inquire into the matter and even register a criminal case against the offenders.