Patna: An alleged network involving land mafias and officials of Bihar’s revenue department has come under scrutiny, with investigating agencies examining suspected cases of forged land documents, fraudulent registrations and manipulated mutation records.
The investigation is underway in 18 revenue circles across the state. According to the available report, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) and other investigating agencies have found indications of alleged collusion in several locations, prompting recommendations for departmental action.
The alleged fraud has reportedly targeted both government land and privately owned properties, including land belonging to vulnerable individuals. Investigators are examining how forged documents may have been used to establish ownership claims and facilitate attempts to take control of disputed properties.
How the Alleged Land Fraud Worked
Investigators are examining a suspected process in which fabricated or forged documents were allegedly used to create ownership claims over land.
According to the report, members of the alleged network first attempted to portray a property as disputed. They then relied on documents purportedly dating back several decades, in some cases 80 to 100 years old, to support their claims.
These documents were allegedly used to initiate land registration in the names of different members of the suspected network. Investigators are seeking to establish the authenticity of the papers and determine whether they were used to secure registrations unlawfully.
Mutation of Land Records Under Scanner
The alleged fraud did not necessarily end with registration. Investigators are also examining the subsequent process of mutation, known locally as दाखिल-खारिज, through which changes in ownership are reflected in revenue records.
According to the allegations, favourable reports were prepared at the revenue-circle level, enabling mutations to be completed on the basis of disputed documents.
Once a name is entered into the revenue records, the alleged beneficiaries may attempt to strengthen their claims over the property or establish control over it.
The investigation is examining the documents, reports and decisions involved in these cases to determine whether the prescribed procedures were followed.
Jamui, Patna and Muzaffarpur Circles Under Scrutiny
The report identifies several locations where investigators have found indications of possible collusion between land mafias and revenue officials.
These include:
- Sikandra in Jamui district.
- Bakhtiyarpur, Khusrupur and Naubatpur in Patna district.
- Musahari in Muzaffarpur district.
The inquiry reportedly extends to around a dozen circles where suspected links have emerged. Separately, high-level investigations are underway in 18 revenue circles across Bihar.
Recommendations for action have reportedly been sent to the concerned department in connection with some of the cases.
Role of Revenue Officials Also Being Examined
The alleged role of officials and employees at different levels of the revenue administration has become a key focus of the investigation.
The scrutiny reportedly includes Circle Officers, Revenue Officers and revenue employees whose reports or actions may have played a role in disputed registrations and mutations.
Investigators are examining whether any officials allegedly helped prepare favourable reports, overlooked discrepancies in land documents or facilitated changes in revenue records without adequate verification.
These are allegations under investigation; the responsibility of individual officials will depend on the evidence and findings of the inquiry.
Landowners Allegedly Struggled to Get Complaints Addressed
The report also raises concerns about complaints submitted by people claiming to be the rightful owners of disputed land.
According to the available information, some landowners approached Circle Officers and subsequently escalated their complaints to the Deputy Collector Land Reforms (DCLR) and Additional Collector.
However, allegations suggest that some complaints remained pending for extended periods, potentially giving the alleged beneficiaries more time to maintain control over the properties.
Investigators are examining such complaints as part of their effort to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify possible lapses in the administrative process.
EOU Traces Documents, Registrations and Mutation Records
Investigating agencies are now working to connect the different stages of the suspected fraud.
The inquiry is examining where the disputed documents originated, whose names appeared in the registrations, what evidence supported the mutation applications and whether any officials or employees facilitated the process.
The agencies are also seeking to establish the roles of the individuals involved and determine whether the suspected cases form part of a wider, organised network.
Action May Follow if Allegations Are Substantiated
The investigation could lead to further action against individuals suspected of participating in the alleged land fraud, including members of land mafias and any public officials found to have assisted them.
Any departmental or legal action will depend on the evidence collected and the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
With investigations underway across 18 revenue circles, the focus remains on verifying disputed documents, examining revenue records and establishing accountability wherever wrongdoing is proven.
