Police in Hazaribag, Jharkhand, have launched an investigation into an alleged land fraud after registering a First Information Report (FIR) against 10 individuals, including revenue department officials, following directions issued by the Jharkhand High Court.

The case involves allegations that forged documents and manipulated revenue records were used to secure the mutation of disputed land through unlawful means.

FIR Registered Following High Court Directions

The FIR was registered by Sadar Police after the Jharkhand High Court directed authorities to initiate criminal proceedings and investigate the allegations in accordance with law.

The complaint was filed by:

• Fiyaz Ahmad, a resident of Nagwan

The investigation remains at a preliminary stage, and the allegations are yet to be tested through the legal process.

Revenue Officials Among Those Named

According to the FIR, the following individuals have been named:

• Circle Officer Anil Kumar
• Circle Inspector Virendra Kumar
• Revenue employee Seema Kumari Singh
• Computer operator Sandeep Kumar
• Hira Kumar
• Manoj Kumar
• Sabra Khatoon
• Salma Khatoon
• Mukesh Kumar
• Uday Kumar

Their individual roles will be determined during the course of the investigation.

Dispute Relates to Registered Land Ownership

According to the complaint, the disputed property comprises:

• 26 decimals of land
• Khata No. 136
• Plot Nos. 824 and 825
• Located in Nagwan, Hazaribag

The complainant stated that the land is recorded in Register-II in the name of Mohammad Kalimullah.

Fiyaz Ahmad further claimed that he legally purchased the property from Mohammad Ekram, the son of Mohammad Kalimullah, and subsequently constructed a boundary wall around the land.

Allegations of Forged Documents and Illegal Transfer

According to the complaint, investigators are examining allegations that:

• A criminal conspiracy was formed to unlawfully acquire the land.
• A power of attorney was allegedly obtained from certain relatives of the recorded owner.
• Forged documents were allegedly used.
• Ownership was allegedly transferred to Mukesh Kumar and Uday Kumar earlier this year.

These allegations remain under police investigation.

Alleged Manipulation of Revenue Records

The complaint further alleges that certain officials associated with the local circle office, along with a computer operator, manipulated:

• Government land records
• Online revenue databases
• Mutation records

The complainant alleges these actions facilitated the mutation of the disputed property on the basis of forged documentation.

Police are verifying these allegations by examining official records.

Boundary Wall Demolition Allegation

The complainant also alleged that attempts were made to:

• Demolish the constructed boundary wall.
• Pressure him to vacate the property.
• Issue threats in connection with the disputed land.

Investigators are examining these allegations alongside documentary evidence and witness statements.

Earlier Complaint Allegedly Not Registered

According to the complainant:

• A written complaint was submitted to Sadar Police on 23 February.
• No FIR was allegedly registered at that stage.

The complainant subsequently approached the Jharkhand High Court, which on 10 July directed police to register the case and proceed with the investigation.

Investigation to Examine Documentary Evidence

Police are expected to scrutinise:

• Sale deeds
• Power of attorney documents
• Mutation records
• Revenue files
• Register-II entries
• Digital land records
• Government database logs

Investigators aim to determine:

• Authenticity of ownership documents
• Legality of the mutation process
• Possible manipulation of official records
• Individual responsibility of the accused

Focus on Digital Land Record Integrity

The case has renewed attention on the integrity of digital land administration systems.

Experts note that land-related fraud may involve:

• Forged title documents
• Fake powers of attorney
• Illegal mutations
• Manipulation of electronic revenue databases
• Abuse of official processes

Regular verification and secure digital audit trails are increasingly considered essential safeguards.

Investigation Continues

Police have stated that the investigation will be conducted impartially.

Any further legal action will depend upon:

• Documentary evidence
• Forensic examination of records
• Statements of witnesses
• Findings regarding alleged forgery and record manipulation

The allegations remain under investigation, and no conclusions regarding criminal liability have yet been reached.

Shunyatax Global Insight

Shunyatax Global says that land ownership disputes increasingly involve both physical documents and digital land records. Buyers should independently verify title history, mutation status, revenue entries, encumbrance certificates, powers of attorney and online land records before completing any transaction. Regular digital audits and stronger controls over mutation processes are critical to protecting property rights and preventing document-based land fraud.