Police in Hyderabad, Telangana, have arrested 10 people in connection with an alleged conspiracy to claim around 100 acres of government land valued at approximately ₹700 crore using a fabricated historical document dating back to the Nizam era. According to the police, the case involves suspected forgery, alleged collusion and an attempt to establish ownership rights over public property through legal proceedings. Those arrested reportedly include an employee of the Telangana State Archives and Research Institute, who is suspected of helping prepare the disputed document. Investigators believe the alleged scheme involved a larger group of 46 people. Police have indicated that the investigation is continuing and that further arrests may follow as more evidence is examined. The case has drawn attention to the importance of verifying historical land records, particularly when documents from earlier administrations are presented to establish ownership claims over valuable government property.

Where Is the Disputed Land Located?

The property at the centre of the Hyderabad land grab case is situated at Nadergul in Balapur mandal of Rangareddy district, Telangana. Police identified the disputed property under Survey No. 613. According to the information provided by investigators, the survey number covers approximately 373.22 acres of government land. A dispute over ownership of parts of this property has reportedly continued for several years, with some private individuals asserting claims over the land. The alleged attempt concerned around 100 acres, which police estimate to be worth ₹700 crore. The scale of the property and its reported market value make the case significant for local land administration and public property protection.

Fake Nizam-Era Farman Allegedly Used to Support Ownership Claims

Investigators suspect that the accused attempted to support their claims by using a purported farman, a royal decree associated with the Nizam's rule. According to police, the document was allegedly fabricated to make it appear that the claimants had legitimate ownership rights over the land. The suspected forgery reportedly came to light after officials of the Rangareddy District Legal Services Authority became suspicious of the document submitted during proceedings concerning the property. Osmania University police inspector V. Dasu told Hindustan Times that the authenticity of the document was subsequently examined against original records held by the archives. Verification reportedly established that the submitted document was forged.

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How the Alleged Land Claim Scheme Developed

According to the police account, the group began pursuing claims over approximately 100 acres in 2023. Investigators suspect that some of the individuals approached a clerk at the State Archives and Research Institute in Tarnaka and offered money in exchange for assistance in preparing the purported historical decree. The document was allegedly prepared on March 28, 2023, and presented as a record originating during the Nizam's rule. Police further suspect that the 46 people divided themselves into two groups before approaching the Rangareddy District Legal Services Authority. Both groups allegedly relied on the disputed document while seeking recognition of their ownership claims.

Suspicion During Legal Proceedings Exposed the Alleged Forgery

The dispute reportedly reached the District Legal Services Authority on February 22, 2025. During the proceedings, officials noticed discrepancies in the purported farman and decided to verify whether it was genuine. A comparison with original archival records reportedly revealed that the document had been fabricated. Police said the verification process included checking records relating to the issuance and authentication of the decree. The discovery prompted a complaint to the police, leading to the registration of a case. The alleged attempt to secure rights over public property through a disputed historical record subsequently became the subject of a criminal investigation.

What Charges Are Being Investigated?

Police registered a case under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The alleged offences include criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, using forged documents, manipulation of public records, concealment of evidence, criminal trespass, extortion and criminal intimidation. The case also includes allegations relating to the misuse of legal or judicial proceedings. The precise responsibility of each suspect will depend on the evidence collected by investigators and the subsequent legal process. Inspector V. Dasu said that 46 people were found to be involved in the alleged conspiracy and that evidence against them was being examined. He also indicated that more arrests could take place.

Why the Case Matters for Telangana

The alleged Rangareddy district land fraud highlights the financial stakes involved in disputes over valuable public property. When ownership claims rely on historical records, verifying their origin and authenticity can be crucial to preventing fraudulent claims from progressing. The case also raises questions about alleged attempts to misuse official documentation and legal procedures. Investigators will need to establish how the disputed document was prepared, who may have assisted in its creation, and how the claimants allegedly intended to use it. For residents and landowners in Telangana, the investigation serves as a reminder that land ownership disputes require careful examination of official records. The outcome of this case will depend on the evidence gathered by police and the findings of the competent legal authorities.