CID conducts raids, four arrested

Dharani scam: 

metro india news  I hyderabad : The investigation into alleged irregularities in Telangana's Dharani land records portal has intensified, with the Crime Investigation Department (CID) conducting simultaneous raids across the state and reportedly arresting four people. The latest developments indicate that the probe is moving beyond preliminary inquiries towards identifying a possible network involved in the alleged manipulation of land records.

As part of the operation, 15 special CID teams conducted searches in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal, Gajwel, Bhongir and other locations. Several Dharani portal operators and private individuals were detained for questioning, while four people were reportedly arrested. The investigation centres on allegations of illegal changes in land ownership, manipulation of revenue records and unauthorised transactions through the portal.

Investigators are examining whether certain operators misused their technical access to the portal in collusion with private individuals to alter ownership records of valuable properties. Particular attention is being given to properties in and around Hyderabad, where even minor changes in land records could affect assets worth several crores of rupees.

Bhoodan lands under scanner

Alleged misuse of court orders has emerged as another important aspect of the investigation. Complaints reportedly indicate that interim court orders relating to certain land disputes were used to make ownership changes in unrelated properties.Allegations concerning changes in ownership of Bhoodan lands through subdivision or 'Bai' numbers are also being investigated.

Officials are reportedly comparing original survey numbers, subdivisions and ownership details to identify discrepancies. If these allegations are established, the investigation could raise serious concerns about the protection of government-owned and Bhoodan lands, apart from irregularities involving private properties.

Forensic audit to provide crucial evidence

The forensic audit of the Dharani portal is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the extent of the alleged irregularities. Investigators are analyzing login records, access details, computers used and the nature of changes made to individual land records. Digital evidence could help establish who modified particular records, when the changes occurred and whose approval was involved. Investigators are also examining whether similar patterns of manipulation occurred across different districts and whether a coordinated network was operating.

The state government has constituted a seven-member special inquiry committee under CID Director General Charu Sinha. The panel includes IAS and IPS officers as well as technical experts. It is examining land record modifications, portal operations, the role of operators and possible technical loopholes. The recent raids reportedly followed findings from the committee's inquiry. The CID investigation is now expected to focus on identifying those who allegedly instructed operators, individuals who benefited from the changes, possible financial transactions and the involvement of other revenue department personnel.

Investigators may also examine whether financial benefits were exchanged for facilitating illegal modifications and whether the alleged network operated systematically over an extended period. The findings could have wider implications for land administration in Telangana and may lead to further scrutiny of suspicious transactions recorded on the Dharani portal.

The arrest of four individuals marks a significant development, and further arrests may follow depending on the evidence gathered during interrogation and forensic examination. The investigation, which began with complaints and preliminary inquiries, has now progressed to raids and arrests. The CID is expected to establish how extensive the alleged manipulation was, who was behind it and whether valuable government, Bhoodan and private land records were illegally altered. The role of every individual involved will have to be established through documentary and digital evidence.