Lokayukta orders probe into Bhu Bharati registration scam

The Telangana Lokayukta has ordered a thorough investigation in view of allegations of large-scale irregularities in property registration under the Telangana Bhu Bharati system.

According to official sources, the Lokayukta has directed key State departments to submit detailed reports on the matter. Instructions have been issued to the Chief Secretary, Chief Commissioner of Revenue Land Authority (CCLA), Stamp and Registration Commissioner, Inspector General, Mee Seva Commissioner and Stamp and Registration Officer in Jangaon district.

Preliminary findings suggest a gang is evading stamp duty payments by manipulating payment channels using third-party apps. In a shocking example, fraudsters allegedly siphoned off ₹ 8,55,577 from 10 Challans in a single day in Jangaon district.

The scam reportedly involved arranging the Challan amount before payment on suspicion of collusion by CCLA’s technical staff. Jangaon police registered a case and launched an investigation on January 7, 2026, based on a complaint filed by local collector Indrapally Hussain.

The owner of an internet hub in Yadadri has been identified as the prime suspect for facilitating fraudulent transactions.

Officials believe the scam may have its roots in the previous Dharani slot booking system under the previous BRS government, raising concerns about systemic loopholes.

Meanwhile, police reportedly detained four people in connection with the incident and are investigating the link between MeeSeva operators, private internet centers, revenue personnel and cyber criminals.

Sources said the fraudsters hacked the Bhu Bharati database linked to a mobile application used by revenue officials. When landowners approached MeeSeva centers for services, operators allegedly worked with cybercrime gangs to manipulate transaction amounts on the portal and create challenges showing reduced figures.