Beware of land scammers: Bokaro DC

BOKARO: Taking a note of a steep rise in incidents of land scams that dupe many people, Bokaro deputy commissioner Uma Shanker Singh on Wednesday urged the residents to verify land-related documents from the government office concerned before buying flats or houses from builders and real estate agents.
TNN | Feb 20, 2014, 10.07AM IST

Singh made this appeal after a fresh case of land scam was busted in an inquiry constituted by him. A builder launching housing project named Golden City in Chas block has allegedly duped more than 100 people for a sum of about Rs 3 crore. The company had purchased 71 acres of land, but sold a chunk of more than 10 acres on the basis of fake documents.

After receiving complaints from the residents, Singh constituted an inquiry headed by Chas circle officer Naresh Soni and special officer Krishna Kumar. They found that the builder has fraudulently sold land to the residents showing fake sale deed and agreements. Singh said that a notice was sent to the builders asking them to present documents before the officials, but they failed to appear before the panel. However, when residents started demanding their money back, the builder threatened them with dire consequences.

The accused have been identified as Sushil Kumar Singh, Sunil Kumar, Sudhir Kumar, Anil Kumar and five others. “Based on the report, I have directed the officials to take strict legal action against the accused. We have also asked the police to take necessary measures to ensure that those cheated by the builder get their money back,” said Singh. He also urged the people of the district to “verify land status before purchasing flats or bungalows from builders or middlemen. Do not keep your eyes closed while buying houses as it will make you suffer”

Bokaro has witnessed many lands scam cases in which builders first acquire lands in an unauthorized manner and then sell it to residents. Singh also warned builders to not to indulge in such unfair practices because they are not being spared if caught someday. Rising population and rapid industrialization has inflated land prices and boosted the real estate business here.