Land Fraud – Eight Arrested as Police Probe Multi-Crore Srikakulam Property Scam
Land Fraud – Property ownership verification and land fraud investigation updates – Authorities have uncovered an alleged conspiracy involving forged records and fraudulent land registration linked to a valuable property in Srikakulam.
The Srikakulam Rural Police have arrested eight people in connection with an alleged land grabbing case involving nearly 900 square yards of prime property in the Balaga area of Srikakulam town. According to investigators, the accused attempted to illegally claim ownership of the land by creating forged documents before trying to fence the property and prepare it for sale. Officials estimate the market value of the disputed land at around ₹3 crore to ₹4 crore.
Police Outline Alleged Document Forgery
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Srikakulam District Superintendent of Police K.V. Maheswara Reddy said the disputed property is situated in Survey No. 35/13, covering plots 84, 85 and 86 in Sri Satya Sai Nagar Layout under Chapuram Gram Panchayat in the Balaga locality. The investigation indicates that the accused allegedly relied on fake death certificates, fabricated succession records and forged ownership documents to facilitate an unlawful registration of the land.
Those arrested have been identified as Adabala alias Andavarapu Rajini, Telugu Satish Kumar, Salipilli Lakshmana Rao, Mudadla Upendra Kumar, Jeguripati Upendra Rao, Mamidi Gopalakrishna, Sambana Sambasiva Rao and document writer Kona Peddiraju. Police stated that further investigation is continuing to identify the full extent of the conspiracy.
Complaint Triggered Investigation
Police said the complaint was filed by Jai Shankar, whose father, Katta Kanaka Lingeswara Rao, had legally purchased the property through registered sale deeds in 1988 and 1992 from Andavarapu Govindarajulu. As Jai Shankar has been residing in Hyderabad for employment, the land remained vacant for an extended period.
The alleged fraud came to light after family members noticed a group attempting to erect fencing around the property. Suspecting an illegal takeover, they informed the police, leading to a detailed investigation by the Srikakulam Rural Police.
Fake Certificates Allegedly Created
According to the Superintendent of Police, investigators found that the accused allegedly obtained original link documents related to the property and then prepared forged records claiming that the original owner, Andavarapu Govindarajulu, had died. Police clarified that Govindarajulu is alive.
Investigators further alleged that a fabricated family certificate was created to falsely project Adabala alias Andavarapu Rajini as the sole legal heir. Based on these documents, the group allegedly prepared fraudulent registration papers with the intention of transferring and selling the property.
Investigation Expands to More Individuals
Police said the investigation has so far identified 13 individuals who are suspected to have played different roles in the alleged conspiracy. Superintendent Maheswara Reddy stated that former Assembly Speaker Tammineni Sitaram has been named as Accused No. 6, his wife Tammineni Vani as Accused No. 7, and Muddada Upendra Kumar as Accused No. 9 in the case.
The police officer said investigations into their alleged involvement are continuing. He added that any additional individuals found to have participated in the conspiracy would also face legal action in accordance with the evidence collected during the investigation.
Registration and Official Procedures Under Scrutiny
The police further stated that the disputed property was registered in the name of Thammineni Venkata Sriramulu Chiranjeevi Nag, also known as Nani, who is the son of former YSRCP leader and former Assembly Speaker Tammineni Sitaram. Superintendent Maheswara Reddy alleged that the investigation has revealed collusion involving the land transaction and stated that legal action would be taken against those found responsible.
The investigation has also focused on the registration process. Police alleged that the then Sub-Registrar of Amadalavalasa, Boddepalli Aruna, processed the registration without adequately verifying the supporting documents. Investigators further claimed that witness signatures used during the registration were obtained from faculty members associated with a private college linked to Tammineni Sitaram. During searches, police seized fake rubber stamps and mobile phones that are believed to have been used in carrying out the alleged fraud. The investigation remains ongoing.