In a major crackdown on illegal land encroachment, city police have arrested three individuals for allegedly attempting to grab government-owned police quarters land in Malleswaram using forged documents and fabricated records.
The accused—Krishnamurthy, Srinath Nagaragadde, and Krishna—were taken into custody following a detailed investigation that exposed an organised attempt to encroach upon a prime 25,000 sq. ft. property belonging to the police department.
Suspicious bill leads to major discovery
The case came to light after a suspicious electricity bill was issued in the name of a private individual, Mahalakshmi, for a property officially designated as police quarters. The bill was reportedly received at the residence of a Lokayukta inspector, raising immediate concerns.
Subsequent inquiries revealed that the land, which houses the old Malleswaram Police Station and residential quarters, has records dating back to 1913 confirming its status as police property. At present, families of four police inspectors reside on the premises.
Forged documents and незаконный e-khata uncovered
Investigations uncovered that the accused had allegedly manipulated official records to transfer the property into Mahalakshmi’s name. Authorities also found that an illegal e-khata had been generated through the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, and a sale agreement had been drafted to transfer ownership to one of the accused.
Police further revealed that associates of the accused allegedly attempted to intimidate the families residing in the quarters, pressuring them to vacate the property.
Wider land mafia network suspected
During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to involvement in similar land-grabbing activities across Bengaluru, pointing to a possible larger network. Officials have expressed concern over the growing trend of organised land mafia targeting government properties through forged documentation and systemic loopholes.
Based on a complaint filed by a Lokayukta inspector, a case was registered, and swift action by Malleswaram Police led to the arrests, preventing further illegal transactions.
Authorities have now intensified efforts to identify other properties that may have been targeted and to uncover any additional individuals or intermediaries involved in the racket.