Daijiworld Media Network - Nanded

Nanded, Sep 17: Nanded city police have arrested three persons for allegedly preparing forged land records and selling the same agricultural property to multiple buyers, officials said.

The accused have been identified as Rahul Nagorao Gaikwad, 38, Jakhaji alias Bandu Dhondiji Pawde, 43, and Amol Ashokrao Malegaonkar, 42.

According to police, Gaikwad allegedly befriended complainant Devendra Sharma in January this year and showed him forged documents claiming ownership of an agricultural plot at Mendhla Khurd in Ardhapur tehsil. Gaikwad allegedly later entered into an agreement to sell the property to Sharma, who paid Rs 35 lakh for the land.

Sharma subsequently learnt that the same property had allegedly been sold to several other people as well. Following his complaint, a case was registered at Vazirabad police station.

During the investigation, police allegedly found that the accused had created forged land documents and entered into agreements with different buyers for the same property.

Police have so far recorded statements from 16 alleged victims and seized 14 documents in connection with the investigation. Officials said the probe revealed that a total of 35 people were allegedly cheated of Rs 11.85 crore.

Police also said the accused had previously been booked in civil and criminal cases.

Gaikwad and Malegaonkar are currently in police remand, while Pawde has been sent to judicial custody until September 28, officials said.

The investigation into the alleged fraudulent land transactions and the role of the accused is underway.