Archive · 15 Sep 2026
West Bengal Launches Apani App to Prevent Property Registration Fraud
West Bengal has created a new app called Apani.
The app is meant to stop people from selling or registering property without the real owners knowing.
Both buyers and sellers must prove their identities before a registration can continue.
They will receive an application number after submitting their documents.
Then they will use the app and blink twice while holding the phone in front of them.
The verification message will go to a government portal used by authorised registration officials.
People still must visit the registration office in person.
The system will first be tested in Chandannagore before being introduced across the state.
West Bengal has launched the Apani mobile application to help prevent fraud in land, flat and house registrations.
Buyers and sellers must complete identity verification through the app before registration can proceed.
A two-week pilot project is scheduled to begin next week at Chandannagore Municipality in Hooghly district.
Users will enter an application number and blink twice while holding their phone in front of them for verification.
The state plans to expand the system across West Bengal before the festive season beginning with Durga Puja next month.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, through the Directorate of Stamp Duty and Registration, and people buying or selling property.
- What
- The government launched Apani, an identity-verification app for land, flat and house registrations.
- When
- A two-week pilot is scheduled to begin next week, with statewide operation targeted before Durga Puja next month.
- Where
- The pilot will take place at Chandannagore Municipality in Hooghly district, with a planned rollout across West Bengal.
- Why
- To prevent fraud and forgery, including property registrations made in people’s names without their knowledge.
- Application
- Apani
- Purpose
- Prevent fraud and forgery in land, flat and house registrations
- Verification requirement
- Both buyers and sellers must complete identity verification
- Pilot duration
- Two weeks
- Pilot location
- Chandannagore Municipality, Hooghly district
- Verification method
- Users enter an application number and blink twice while holding the phone in front of them
- Physical presence
- Users must visit the registration office because verification cannot be completed remotely
- Implementing agency
- Directorate of Stamp Duty and Registration under the state Finance Department