Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Oct 5: Two former employees of a Mumbai based real estate firm Niharika Infrastructure are accused of forging documents and selling the Hyderabad Nizam’s over 100-year-old Nazri Bagh Palace, popularly known as King Kothi to Kashmir-based Iris Hospitality.

Niharika Infrastructure had purchased the 2.5 lac sqft property located in Hyderguda neighbourhood of Hyderabad, from Nazari Bagh Palace Trust three years ago and is estimated to cost Rs 300 crore.

In June this year, when an employee visited the registrar’s office for paperwork, he realized that the property ownership is transferred to Iris Hospitality. Further investigation revealed that two of Niharaika Infrastructure’s employees Suresh Kumar and C Ravindra who had quit their jobs in February this year, were dealing with Iris Hospitality.

Nazri Bagh Palace, popularly known as King Kothi

Niharika Infrastructure management has filed a complaint with the Mumbai police’s Economic Offences Wing accusing Suresh Kumar and C Ravindra of illegally selling their Hyderabad property to Iris Hospitality owned by Amit Amla and Arjun Amla.

The police have launched a search for Suresh and Ravindra, against whom FIR for cheating, criminal breach of trust and forgery are registered. Meanwhile, Niharika Infrastructure will contact Iris Hospitality only through legal channels.

King Kothi is the last residence of last Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali. The Nizam had brought the property from renowned architect Kamal Khan. One of the palace walls has huge initials KK carved on it. The Nizam renamed the property to King Kothi to match them. The Nizam died in 1967.

King Kothi is known for its three principal buildings. The main building houses a hospital. Another building ‘Mubarak Mansion’ accommodates offices of Nizam’s private estates. The third building ‘Usman Mansion’ was demolished in 1980 to accommodate a new hospital building.