Fake documents, impersonators, and undervalued sales , Court refuses bail to accused in Ludhiana land fraud case.The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised serious concerns over a growing trend where non-resident Indians (NRIs) are being cheated out of their properties by fraudsters taking advantage of their absence from India.
Calling it a “disturbing pattern”, Justice Harpreet Singh Brar said that many NRIs who cannot regularly visit India or manage their land are falling prey to forged documents, misused powers of attorney, and fraudulent sales at prices far below market value.
“These crimes are not just individual betrayals,” the judge noted. “They shake the foundation of public trust, damage the real estate system, and even threaten the economic stability of the state.”
Ludhiana Land Fraud Case: A Shocking Example
Justice Brar made these remarks while rejecting the anticipatory bail of two men involved in a land fraud case in Ludhiana. The case involves the sale of a prime plot of land near the Ladhowal-Verka bypass.
On February 11, 2025, a sale deed was registered, showing a man named Deep Singh selling land to Deepak Goel, a resident of Panchkula, for just 30 lakh. But investigators later discovered that the actual owner, also named Deep Singh, was living in the United States and had no knowledge of the sale.
An impostor, pretending to be Deep Singh, appeared at the tehsil office to complete the paperwork. Several government officials, including a tehsildar, have been arrested for their role in enabling the fraud.
Court: These Crimes Are Not Ordinary Offences
The court took a strong stand against the accused, especially Bagel Singh, a local numberdar who acted as a witness to the fake sale. Justice Brar said these crimes go beyond typical criminal cases they involve deep breaches of trust, often by people in positions of local authority.
“These acts not only destroy the financial security of victims,” the judge said, “but also create fear and mistrust among NRIs and investors. They damage the integrity of public institutions and must be dealt with seriously.”
A Bigger Scam? State Alleges Gang Behind NRI Property Frauds
The state government’s counsel told the court that this is not an isolated incident. He alleged that the accused were part of a well-organized gang that targets NRI-owned properties, uses impostors, and creates fake documents to sell off land illegally.
By using fake identities, the gang reportedly created third-party rights over these lands essentially cutting the real owner out of the picture while enabling fake sales to go through.
Court Sends a Message: No Bail for Property Cheats
Given the seriousness of the crime, the court refused to grant bail, saying that such offences cannot be treated lightly. "The law must act as a shield for those vulnerable to exploitation,” Justice Brar stated.
The case serves as a wake-up call for NRIs, especially those owning land in India, to stay alert and ensure their property documents are secure. It also puts pressure on authorities to crack down harder on fraudulent land deals and the systems that allow them to happen.
