Economic Offences Wing Cracks Down on Major Land Investment Scam in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has made significant headway in a high-profile land investment fraud case, arresting four members of a family linked to a retired building inspector in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The case, involving a staggering Rs 90 lakh, was initially registered at the City Chowk police station and later transferred to the EOW due to its severity, as directed by Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar.
Details of the Arrests and Accused
According to EOW Inspector Sambhaji Pawar, the arrests include Gausiya Begum Sheikh Shafik, Hazra Samreen Sheikh, and Shahista Tabsum Sher Khan, all residents of Salman Hall in the Delhi Gate area. The primary accused, Sheikh Irfan Azhar Sheikh Shafik, remains at large, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate him. The family is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated scam using forged land documents and deceptive promises of lucrative returns.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The FIR, filed by Asad Khan Aziz Khan, a 35-year-old mobile shop owner from Sabjimandi near Paithan Gate, reveals a detailed account of the fraud. In 2023, Khan and his brother sold their ancestral property, raising Rs 90 lakh intended for real estate investment. Irfan allegedly approached them, claiming ownership of land in Gut No. 40 at Abdimandi and plots in CTS No. 19/1 at Chaus Colony, Himayatbagh.
To gain trust, Irfan presented a 7/12 extract dated July 1, 2023, purportedly showing ownership of 31 R land, along with a layout plan. Convinced by these documents, Khan transferred Rs 44.98 lakh to Irfan's firm, GS Infra, between July and October 2023, and paid an additional Rs 45 lakh in cash at the firm's Delhi Gate office.
Investigation Findings and Broader Implications
Police investigations uncovered that a sale deed for the Abdimandi land was executed on July 12, 2023, but revenue officials later confirmed that Irfan did not own the claimed 31 R; only about 1 R remained in his name. Further probes revealed that the same land had been previously sold to other buyers, with the accused using forged 7/12 extracts, notarized GPA documents, and fake layout plans to dupe multiple investors.
This case highlights growing concerns over land fraud schemes in urban areas, prompting authorities to urge the public to verify property documents thoroughly before making investments. The EOW continues to investigate potential links to other similar scams, aiming to bring all perpetrators to justice and recover defrauded funds.
