Salem Land Fraud: Sub-Registrar and Eight Others Booked for Alleged Scam
In a shocking case of property fraud, the Magudanchavadi sub-registrar and eight other individuals have been officially booked on Thursday for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated land grabbing scam. The incident, which has sent ripples through the local community, centers on the fraudulent registration of 10,000 square feet of prime land belonging to a Salem resident.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The victim, S Murugan, a resident of Indira Nagar near Vembadithalam, owned a substantial plot of 15,000 square feet. On December 16, 2025, Murugan's friend, identified as Vellaiyan, escorted him to the Magudanchavadi sub-registrar office. Exploiting Murugan's compromised state under the influence of alcohol, Vellaiyan reportedly coerced him into signing multiple legal documents. This deceitful act led to the unauthorized registration of 10,000 square feet of Murugan's land directly into Vellaiyan's name.
Swift Sale and Family Intervention
Within a matter of days, Vellaiyan executed a rapid sale of the fraudulently acquired land to two local residents, Ayyanar and Prema, who hail from the same area. The transaction was completed before Murugan or his family could intervene. Upon discovering the elaborate scam, Murugan's distressed family members immediately took action by filing a formal complaint with Superintendent of Police Gautam Goyal.
Police Investigation and Case Registration
SP Gautam Goyal promptly forwarded the complaint to the district crime branch (DCB) for a thorough investigation. After a meticulous inquiry, the DCB has registered a case against a total of nine individuals, including the Magudanchavadi sub-registrar, whose name has been withheld in the FIR. Sub-Inspector R Karupannan of the DCB confirmed the developments, stating, "At the conclusion of our inquiry, we have registered a case against eight people, along with the Magudanchavadi sub-registrar, for their alleged roles in this land grabbing scam."
The case highlights serious concerns over property fraud and the integrity of land registration processes in the region. Authorities are now focused on unraveling the full extent of the conspiracy and ensuring justice for the victim. This incident serves as a stark reminder for landowners to exercise extreme caution during property transactions and legal signings.
