Hyderabad land mafia fed false info to courts: Ranganath

Hyderabad Police Commissioner Ranganath has made a serious allegation against land mafia networks operating in the city. He said these groups have been feeding false information to courts to grab properties. The statement came during a press briefing on Monday.

Courts being used as tools

Ranganath claimed that land mafia elements are filing cases based on forged documents and fabricated claims. They then present these as genuine evidence before judicial authorities. This has led to court orders that favour illegal occupation of land.

The commissioner did not provide specific case details but said the practice is widespread. He warned that police are now tracking such cases closely. Anyone found manipulating the legal system will face stringent action.

Police crackdown intensifies

Ranganath said he has directed all police stations to coordinate with revenue officials. The goal is to verify land records before any court proceedings. Officers have been told to file counter-affidavits whenever false claims are detected.

He also urged citizens to report suspicious land disputes. The police will set up a dedicated helpline for property-related complaints. Ranganath said the department is committed to protecting lawful owners.

Modus operandi of mafia

According to police intelligence, the mafia often targets disputed or unclaimed land parcels. They create fake sale deeds and power of attorney documents. Then they approach courts seeking injunctions or possession orders.

In many cases, the original owners are unaware of the litigation until it is too late. The false information is fed to courts at multiple stages. This makes it difficult for judges to detect fraud without proper verification.

Public response awaited

Citizens groups have welcomed the commissioner's frank admission. Many have been demanding action against land grabbing for years. However, they are waiting to see if the words translate into concrete results.

Officials have not yet confirmed how many such cases are under investigation. The police have formed a special team to look into historical land disputes that may involve fraud.

Hyderabad has seen a surge in real estate prices, making land a prime target for illegal activities. The police department says it will not tolerate any misuse of the judiciary. Ranganath's statement is seen as a warning to organised land mafia networks.

What happens next will depend on how quickly the police can identify and prosecute offenders. The coming weeks are likely to see several arrests and court hearings related to these allegations.