Government Land Sold on Paper? Cyberabad Police Arrest Key Accused
HYDERABAD: Cyberabad Police arrested a former outsourcing employee of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Secretariat and his driver for allegedly forging government orders and official records to facilitate illegal transactions involving government land worth about ₹12 crore in Gandipet.
Police identified the accused as Veladi Radhakrishna (53) and his driver, Gyara Praveen Kumar (34). According to investigators, the duo conspired to encroach upon government land in Survey No. 18 of Gandipet village. They allegedly created forged documents that falsely projected the land as privately owned.
According to DCP (Serilingampally Zone) Ch Srinivas, Radhakrishna worked as an outsourcing employee in the Information Technology and Communications Department of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Secretariat from 2006 to 2009. During that period, he became familiar with government procedures and documentation systems.
After leaving the job, he allegedly exploited that knowledge. Police said he claimed he could secure government jobs, land regularisation orders, pattadar passbooks and other official permissions through his contacts in government departments.
Accused posed as Deputy Collector
Investigators said Radhakrishna often introduced himself as a Deputy Collector and advocate to gain the confidence of victims. He allegedly assured prospective buyers and land claimants that authorities could regularise disputed government land through official channels.
Furthermore, the DCP said the accused had figured in multiple cheating cases over the years. In one case, he allegedly collected ₹30 lakh from unemployed youth after promising government jobs. Consequently, police registered a cheating case against him in Karimnagar.
Police also alleged that he collected ₹18 lakh from a man by promising a Secretariat Attender post. In another instance, he reportedly took ₹3 lakh from a job aspirant seeking an Attender position in a Sub-Registrar Office. Subsequently, police registered several cases against him in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for cheating, forgery and criminal breach of trust.
Shift to land-related frauds
Later, investigators said Radhakrishna shifted his focus to disputed and government-owned land transactions. He allegedly came into contact with individuals claiming rights over government poramboke land in Survey No. 18 of Gandipet village.
Although he knew the land belonged to the government and carried no lawful ownership rights, he allegedly assured buyers that officials could secure succession, regularisation and other approvals.
As part of the alleged conspiracy, the accused allegedly created fake Government Orders, forged proceedings purportedly issued by the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, fabricated No-Objection Certificates and other official correspondence.
Moreover, the forged records carried fabricated names and signatures of senior officials and closely resembled genuine government documents. Investigators said the accused used these records to convince buyers that the ownership claims were legally valid.
₹12 crore transactions under scrutiny
Police said financial transactions worth about ₹12 crore took place among prospective buyers and individuals linked to the disputed land.
Meanwhile, investigators are examining bank accounts, financial records and documentary evidence to trace the money trail. They are also working to identify all beneficiaries of the alleged fraud.
Driver accused of aiding evasion
After police registered the case, Radhakrishna allegedly tried to evade arrest. Investigators alleged that Praveen Kumar helped him conceal documents, facilitated communication and alerted him about police movements.
As a result, police believe the driver played an active role in helping Radhakrishna avoid detection and arrest.
Documents and electronic devices seized
During the operation, police seized fabricated government orders, five laptops, 12 cheque books, 13 stamps, seven bank passbooks, 10 ATM cards and 31 documents linked to various land transactions.
Investigators believe the seized material will help establish how the accused prepared forged records and moved funds among those involved.
Meanwhile, Cyberabad Police are continuing efforts to arrest other absconding suspects. They are also identifying everyone linked to the conspiracy and uncovering the full extent of the alleged financial fraud. The investigation is ongoing.
