Malkajgiri police have arrested two real-estate brokers for allegedly forging land documents and recovered fake revenue stamps, rubber seals and equipment suspected to have been used to create fraudulent property records in Hyderabad.
The Malkajgiri Special Operations Team arrested Mohd Khaja Pasha, 40, of Moula Ali, and Mohammed Zulfikhar Ali alias Chandu, 38, of Lalaguda. Police said their associate, Vinod Kumar of Alwal, is absconding and efforts are under way to trace him.
According to the police, Khaja Pasha allegedly identified disputed, abandoned and vulnerable properties before collecting details of their owners and legal heirs. Police described him as a rowdy-sheeter of Keesara police station with 11 previous cases.
Based on information provided during the investigation, the police searched Zulfikhar’s residence and recovered forged land documents, 22 rubber stamps and seals, a computer and a Canon printer. The seals were purportedly associated with Sub-Registrar offices, a gram panchayat office, stamp authorities and other entities. Police also recovered nine knives, according to the report.
Malkajgiri Commissioner of Police B Sumathi said the suspects allegedly prepared forged sale documents, bond papers and identity documents. These were allegedly intended to impersonate genuine property owners or legal heirs and facilitate fraudulent transactions.
The alleged method places vulnerable or disputed properties at the centre of the case. Such properties can involve complex ownership histories, multiple legal heirs or unclear possession, making the authenticity of title records and the identity of sellers significant considerations for prospective buyers. The police have not disclosed the number or value of transactions allegedly linked to the network.
The case also highlights the range of records involved in a property transaction. The recovered material allegedly included documents and seals connected with registration and local administrative offices, as well as identity papers. Police are continuing efforts to establish the full extent of the network and arrest the absconding associate.
The police advised property buyers to independently verify title deeds, encumbrance certificates, registration and revenue records, litigation status and physical possession before purchasing land. These checks are intended to establish whether the seller has a valid right to transfer the property and whether competing claims or legal proceedings exist.
Further action in the case will depend on the investigation into the recovered documents and equipment, the alleged role of Vinod Kumar and the identification of any additional transactions or people connected to the suspected network.
