The Telangana government has suspended revenue department deputy collector Ramu Naik after uncovering his alleged role in a major land scam during his deputation to the Telangana Housing Board. Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy confirmed that a detailed inquiry has been ordered, while promising strict action against all officials involved.
Alleged Fraudulent Land Transfers
Naik, who served as land acquisition officer in the housing board between 2013 and 2018, is accused of getting nearly 1,100 square yards of government land worth Rs 20 crore registered in different names. Preliminary investigations have revealed that housing board officials and sub-registrars allegedly colluded with Naik to illegally transfer prime plots into private hands.
Specific Properties Involved
According to the minister, the fraudulent registrations include: a 400 square yard plot in Vijayanagar Colony near Masab Tank, a 22 square yard plot in Tuljaguda in Nampally, 130 square yards in Laxmiguda near Chandrayangutta, and 497 square yards in Mahabubgunj in Nampally. The registration department Inspector General has been asked to probe the roles of sub-registrars in these cases.
Case Near High Court
Among the most glaring cases was the illegal registration of a 33 square yard plot near the high court gates on February 17, 2018. Valued at over Rs 2 lakh per square yard, the land was registered in the name of Sabia Sultana, wife of dismissed housing board inspector Iftikhar Ahmed. The registration fee was never deposited, and the Charminar sub-registrar approved the transfer without housing board clearance. Sultana later sold the property in April 2025, further compounding the fraud.
Action Taken Against Officials
The fallout has already begun. Superintendent Vivekananda, who assisted Naik, has been permanently dismissed ten years before retirement. Another superintendent, Bona Nayak, has been suspended. The minister confirmed that Naik himself will be permanently removed from service once the inquiry concludes.
Government's Stern Warning
The minister struck a firm tone, warning that the government would not tolerate encroachment or misuse of public property. "The government will not spare anyone who usurps public properties," he declared. He emphasized that punishment would be harsher for government employees, with both criminal and departmental proceedings initiated against them.
Enhanced Surveillance Announced
Srinivas Reddy also announced heightened surveillance to curb land grabs, illegal registrations, and abuse of authority. He criticized the previous BRS government for ignoring Naik's activities, saying the scam could have been prevented had timely action been taken.
