The ED launched coordinated search operations on 14 May 2026 against a syndicate accused of forging documents and impersonating officials to sell prime properties of the SRMF. The alleged fraud involves land transactions valued at several hundred crores.
Key Developments
- Searches were conducted at the residences of alleged masterminds G. Ram Chandra Mohan and Akash Malviya in Delhi’s Narayan Vihar, and at a associate’s premises in Burari.
- Additional raids targeted Singhvahini Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. in Noida’s Sector 100 and the home of its associate Pradeep Singh in Sector 105.
- Investigations are being pursued under the PMLA, with the probe initiated on 7 May 2026.
- At least seven FIRs have been lodged across Noida (U.P.), Dhar and Shajapur (M.P.), and Bilaspur (C.G.).
Important Facts
- The syndicate allegedly used forged authority letters, fabricated resolutions, and counterfeit seals to sell SRMF lands.
- In December 2025, a 3.3610‑hectare parcel in Gejha Tilpatabad village, Noida, was sold to Singhvahini Infra Projects for ₹16 crore, well below the circle rate of ₹33.61 crore.
- In January 2026, the same parcel was allegedly sold again to Vaam Dev Private Limited for ₹3.48 crore using a fake board resolution.
- Other alleged illegal sales include 39.96 hectares in Shajapur (M.P.) and 75 acres in Bilaspur (C.G.) through eight fabricated sale deeds, reportedly with collusion of revenue officials.
Exam Relevance
This case touches upon multiple GS papers. Understanding the role and powers of the ED is essential for Polity. The misuse of PMLA illustrates the legal framework against economic offences. The fraudulent manipulation of land records, circle rate, and fake resolutions highlights issues in land‑revenue administration, a recurring topic in GS3 and GS4 (Ethics & Governance). Moreover, the involvement of a religious‑linked society raises questions about the regulation of charitable trusts, relevant to GS2.
Way Forward
- Prosecute the identified conspirators under PMLA and related sections of the Indian Penal Code for forgery, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.
- Strengthen verification mechanisms for land‑sale documents, especially authority letters and board resolutions, to curb similar frauds.
- Enhance inter‑state coordination among revenue departments, police, and the ED to detect and prevent collusion with officials.
- Review the governance of societies like SRMF to ensure transparent management of their immovable assets.
Continued monitoring by the ED and swift judicial action will be crucial to safeguard public assets and uphold the rule of law.