Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Mumbai Police Book Five in Alleged Mulund Land Record Fraud
Mumbai Police have opened a case about suspected cheating and forgery in land records in Mulund.
Two former revenue officials and three private people have been named in the FIR.
Investigators are examining how ownership entries were changed in official records.
One important government file from 1991 cannot be found.
The file was connected to a decree that was reportedly cancelled.
The complaint says the accused used disputed documents to support later land entries.
It also says a much larger area was recorded in their names than the area in their deed.
Police are checking document differences and the possible disappearance of the file.
The investigation has not yet established the allegations as proven facts.
Mumbai Police registered an FIR against two former revenue officials and three private individuals over alleged Mulund land-record manipulation.
The case involves mutation entries Nos. 5186 and 5286 covering properties in Mulund, Kurla taluka.
Investigators reportedly could not trace a government file concerning a 1991 proceeding that allegedly cancelled a decree.
The accused allegedly recorded ownership over 155,072.36 square metres despite holding a conveyance deed for 24,356.25 square metres.
The FIR alleges forged documents, identity discrepancies, conspiracy and illegal mutation entries; further investigation is underway.
- Who
- Former Ghatkopar Circle Officer, former Talathi N. A. Patekar, and private individuals Archana Bhalla, Manish Bawa and Sumit Bawa were named as accused; Circle Officer Sagar Bhimrao Bhalekar conducted the inquiry.
- What
- Mumbai Police registered an FIR alleging cheating, forgery, use of forged documents, conspiracy and manipulation of land mutation records.
- When
- The FIR was reported on September 28, 2026; the inquiry was ordered on July 9, 2025, and the disputed mutation approval occurred in 2013.
- Where
- The case concerns land and revenue records in Mulund, within Kurla taluka, Mumbai.
- Why
- The complaint alleges that disputed or forged documents were used to obtain ownership entries for a larger land area and that a related 1991 government file is missing.
- Accused
- Two former revenue officials and three private individuals: Archana Bhalla, Manish Bawa and Sumit Bawa.
- Mutation entries
- The inquiry concerns entries Nos. 5186 and 5286, with related examination of entry No. 4960.
- Disputed area
- The individuals allegedly obtained entries over 155,072.36 square metres despite a conveyance deed covering 24,356.25 square metres.
- Missing record
- A government file concerning October 9, 1991 proceedings on cancellation of a decree reportedly could not be traced.
- Inquiry authority
- The Mumbai Suburban District Collector ordered the investigation after a complaint by Ashiq Ameer Ali Merchant.
- Reported offences
- The FIR cites alleged cheating, forgery, use of forged documents as genuine, conspiracy and related offences under the Indian Penal Code.
- Current status
- Police are investigating the alleged record manipulation, missing file and roles of the officials and private individuals.