Two More Arrested in Gandipet Land Scam Involving Forged Government Documents

The Cyberabad Police have arrested two more individuals in connection with a major land fraud case involving attempts to illegally acquire high-value government land in the Gandipet area on the outskirts of Hyderabad using forged official records and fake government orders.

The latest arrests include V. Radhakrishna (53) , alleged to be the key mastermind behind the operation, and his personal driver, who is accused of helping him evade arrest and obstruct the investigation. With these arrests, the number of accused persons taken into custody in the case has risen, while investigators continue to probe a wider network of financial transactions linked to the alleged scam.

According to police officials, Radhakrishna is a repeat offender with a history of criminal cases involving cheating, forgery and breach of trust. Investigators believe he orchestrated an elaborate plan to exploit disputed government land in Gandipet by collaborating with local intermediaries who claimed to possess ownership rights over the property.

Police said the accused allegedly targeted a former YSRCP MLA from Andhra Pradesh and his brother, convincing them that the government land could be regularised and transferred with clear legal title. Despite knowing that the land belonged entirely to the government and could not be legally transferred, the accused reportedly promised to secure official approvals and ownership rights.

During the course of the investigation, police found that approximately ₹12 crore was allegedly collected in multiple installments from the former legislator's group on the promise of delivering the land with valid documentation.

When obtaining genuine government approvals proved impossible, the accused allegedly resorted to creating forged records. Investigators revealed that fake proceedings, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and Government Orders (GOs) were fabricated in the name of the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) . The forged documents allegedly carried fabricated signatures and official details of senior government officers, making them appear authentic.

Police suspect that a lawyer played an advisory role behind the scenes in preparing and structuring the forged documentation. The documents were reportedly designed using advanced digital tools to closely resemble genuine government records.

Following the registration of the case, Radhakrishna allegedly went into hiding with the assistance of his driver, who is accused of monitoring police movements, arranging safe locations and helping conceal key documents linked to the forgery. However, investigators tracked the suspects using digital surveillance, technical evidence and location-based intelligence , leading to their arrest.

Senior Cyberabad Police officials described the case as more than a routine land fraud, calling it a well-organised conspiracy involving the fabrication of government records and official seals . Authorities have now expanded the probe to trace the ₹12-crore money trail , with a specialised economic offences team examining bank accounts and financial transactions connected to the case.

Police said efforts are continuing to locate other absconding suspects and warned that stringent action would be taken against anyone attempting to encroach upon or illegally acquire government land through fraudulent means.