Telangana probes suspected Dharani land transactions
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has launched an extensive inquiry into suspected irregularities in agricultural land registrations and mutations processed through the Dharani portal. Preliminary findings indicate that loopholes in the software may have been exploited to alter ownership records and divert thousands of acres of land.
According to officials, forensic experts examining the system have found indications that unauthorised backend modules and technical interventions may have been used to manipulate land records. Investigators suspect that large extents of assigned lands and other government-owned properties were transferred unlawfully.
Government orders wider investigation
The forensic findings have been submitted to the government, which has concluded that a detailed investigation is necessary. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expected to be constituted to examine the suspected transactions.
The proposed SIT is likely to include senior officers from the police, Revenue Department, Cyber Crime wing and Information Technology Department because of the multi-departmental nature of the alleged irregularities.
Private firms under scrutiny
Officials suspect that the management of the Dharani platform gradually shifted into the hands of private entities after 2017. Following the land records purification exercise undertaken during 2017-18, the government entrusted the digital land database to a private company.
Although Dharani, introduced later as the State’s integrated land records and registration platform, was officially stated to be under a government technology agency, day-to-day technical operations were allegedly handled by private service providers. Revenue officials reportedly depended on these firms whenever technical issues arose.
Authorities have identified suspected changes in land ownership records in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Sangareddy, Medak, Siddipet and several other districts.
Officials said ownership rights relating to nearly 10 lakh acres across the State have been kept pending because of a lack of clarity. Revenue sources also indicated that private entities involved in maintaining the Dharani portal indirectly influenced the verification of ownership records.
Under the Record of Rights Act, the Tahsildar is the primary authority empowered to determine land ownership. However, after the introduction of Dharani, several powers were shifted to District Collectors. While land titles formally carried the Tahsildar’s signature, digital approvals were reportedly issued at the district level.
Officials are also examining allegations relating to the companies involved in designing, editing and maintaining the portal. The government is said to have found inadequate documentation regarding certain transactions undertaken by private firms.
Revenue authorities are examining changes made to the management structure during the agreement period with the government. They are also scrutinising whether contractual rights were transferred to other private entities without adequate safeguards.
Questions have also been raised over whether private individuals were involved in approving transactions that, under the Indian Registration Act and the Indian Stamp Act, should be handled only by authorised government officials. The absence of comprehensive audit mechanisms, including scrutiny of registration fee collections, has further added to official concerns.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Revenue Department Special Chief Secretary Lokesh Kumar recently reviewed the suspected transactions with District Collectors. According to official sources, the government has identified large extents of land in and around Hyderabad that may have been diverted through questionable transactions.
The proposed SIT will identify those responsible, recommend legal action where warranted and suggest measures to strengthen the Dharani portal and prevent similar irregularities in future.
