Belagavi deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan on Tuesday recommended the suspension of the Belagavi South sub-registrar to the inspector general of registration and commissioner of stamps (IGRCS) in Bengaluru. The action follows the registration of a sale deed using alleged fake documents and forged signatures.
Details of the Fraud
The fraudulent registration involved 9 acres and 33 guntas of land in Ankalagi village, Bagewadi hobli, Belagavi taluk, on April 24, 2026. The land belonged to Digambar Kulkarni, a Hubballi resident who official records show died nearly 39 years ago. However, the sale deed indicated Kulkarni personally appeared before the sub-registrar's office to execute the transaction.
Media Investigation Exposes Lapses
The alleged fraud was uncovered in a detailed investigative report published by The Times of India on Tuesday. Acting on the report, DC Roshan recommended immediate disciplinary action and confirmed an FIR would be registered on Wednesday.
According to the deputy commissioner’s recommendation, this is not an isolated incident. Another property of the same owner, measuring 8 acres and 37 guntas in Survey No. 366 of Ankalagi village, was allegedly transferred to a private entity on September 5, 2024, using forged documents and impersonation. Following media reports and a petition before the Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court, the Belagavi tahsildar later cancelled that registration, and the land remained in Kulkarni's name.
Officials noted that the subsequent registration of another property of the same deceased owner, despite the earlier cancellation, exposed serious lapses in verification and safeguards in sub-registrar offices.
Official Action Expected
Speaking to TOI, Roshan said action against the sub-registrar was expected on Wednesday. “I have recommended the suspension of the concerned sub-registrar and directed that an FIR be registered,” he said.
