A forensic audit of land records in two key districts of Telangana has identified suspicious transactions, prompting the state government to consider expanding the investigation. The Kerala Security Audit and Assurance Centre (KSAAC) recently submitted its preliminary report to the Telangana government after a detailed examination of records in Rajanna-Sircilla and Siddipet districts.
Audit Uncovers Procedural Deviations in Land Deals
The audit was initiated four months ago, with the state government tasking the Kerala-based agency to scrutinize potentially irregular land transactions on the Dharani portal. This online land records system was launched by the previous BRS government in September 2020. While officials have not publicly disclosed the full findings, sources indicate the pilot study flagged transactions where assigned and government lands were allegedly transferred to private individuals.
The audit, however, did not find evidence of midnight transactions or deals operated from other countries, contrary to some initial suspicions voiced by revenue department officials. The primary irregularities noted were deviations from prescribed procedures in certain transactions.
Advanced Tech Used to Vet Eight Lakh Transactions
The forensic process was extensive. The agency vetted approximately eight lakh (800,000) transactions using advanced technologies like digital footprint analysis and blockchain. A key part of the audit involved comparing the status of government, assigned, waqf, and endowment lands from before 2014 and after the Dharani portal's launch.
The revenue department had provided specific details for investigation, including about 300 acres of assigned land allegedly converted to private ownership and another 480 acres in Siddipet district. The audit aimed to determine if there was any tampering with land records, focusing on the location and timing of illegal transactions.
Report Headed for Cabinet, Probe to Widen
The entire audit was conducted discreetly at the command and control centre (CCC). A senior revenue department official confirmed, "We have received the preliminary report, which will be analysed before being placed before the cabinet." The government is expected to discuss the findings and decide on further action in an upcoming cabinet meeting.
Based on the initial findings, the forensic study is set to be extended to other districts in its next phase. The districts likely to be covered include Ranga Reddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Sangareddy, which are critical areas, especially around the state capital Hyderabad.
