Bhagalpur: A shocking case of land record fraud has emerged in Bhagalpur, where a woman declared dead nine years ago was allegedly shown as alive on official documents to facilitate a land transfer.
Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, who has spearheaded efforts to curb land mafia activity and corruption in the state’s land reforms department, has pledged strict action against the perpetrators.
The case came to light after an application was submitted by Syed Ainam Uddin to the Sadar Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), accompanied by supporting evidence. The investigation revealed that the legitimate landowner, Hashmun Nisha, wife of the late Mohd Sharf Uddin, had died on April 6, 2015 with a death certificate issued by the municipal corporation. Despite this, a purported affidavit dated May 13, ;2024, in the name of the Executive Magistrate of Sadar Bhagalpur, falsely stated that Nisha was alive.
Further scrutiny showed that the affidavit number 3526 was actually registered under another individual, Abhaykant Arya. Consequently, the land transfer case (number 1188/2024-25) was deemed fraudulent. Following a hearing, Sadar SDO Vikas Kumar registered a formal case, describing the act as a serious legal violation. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the revenue department.
Bihar has long grappled with land-related disputes, often linked to corruption and even violence. Circle Officer (CO) offices are frequently criticised for stalling legitimate work unless bribes are paid, while illegal transfers are executed through illicit payments. In a separate instance, the CO of Kanti Circle in Muzaffarpur, Rishika, has been suspended over a land transfer controversy involving government land.
Since taking charge, Sinha has actively campaigned to dismantle the land mafia and hold corrupt officials accountable. However, cases such as Bhagalpur illustrate the persistent challenges faced in enforcing transparency and combating entrenched malpractices within the department.
