Telangana: Land records altered via Dharani loopholes
HYDERABAD: In a district adjoining Hyderabad, ownership of several acres of land worth crores was transferred overnight to a single individual. Normally, such changes require approval on the Dharani or Bhu Bharati portal through biometric authentication by the tahsildar-cum-joint sub-registrar. However, in these cases, ownership was altered without any such process.
In another district, funds paid by farmers as registration charges to the government were allegedly diverted midway and misappropriated.
These are only indicative cases. The government has identified widespread irregularities in the agricultural land portal.
Forensic probe finds systemic irregularities in portals
The issue came to light in January this year at the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district headquarters, prompting the government to order a comprehensive inquiry. Experts from revenue, cybercrime, registrations, National Informatics Centre, and cyber security departments were involved in the probe.
After a detailed investigation, a report was submitted to the government. A special team comprising district collectors, Information Technology and Communications officials, National Informatics Centre experts, and cybercrime personnel has been constituted to recommend action against those responsible.
Valuable lands targeted through digital manipulation
Preliminary findings indicate that high-value lands were specifically targeted. Ownership of some lands was changed without uploading any supporting documents on the portal.
Irregularities include registration of assigned and government lands, creation of ownership rights over disputed lands, and generation of new survey numbers for lands that did not have any.
Investigators suspect that multiple systems were used without official documentation, and that those involved took steps to erase digital footprints after carrying out the changes.
