Pune Land Scam Uncovered: Woman Marked ‘Dead’ in Records to Illegally Claim Baner Plot
Pune Land Scam Uncovered: Woman Marked ‘Dead’ in Records to Illegally Claim Baner Plot
Shocking details have emerged from Baner in Pune, where an alleged land fraud involved falsely declaring a living woman dead in official records to seize her property. The attempt relied on forged paperwork and manipulation of government systems, but timely action by the family prevented the plot from being fully executed.
The case came to light after a complaint by Mrunalini Sanjay Nikam (52), a resident of Pashan. Following her report, Baner Police registered an FIR against Savita Dattatray Somvanshi, Shailesh Rathod, and Dattatray Sambhajirao Shinde. Investigators say the fraudulent activities were carried out over more than two years, between February 28, 2024, and April 17, 2026.
The disputed asset is a 430 sq m plot near West Port in Baner. Originally purchased in 1988 by Nikam’s father in her mother’s name, the property later came under Nikam’s management through a power of attorney due to her mother’s age and health condition. Nikam had recently moved ahead with plans to develop the land and signed a development agreement in April 2026.
While verifying details on a government land records portal, she discovered that ownership entries had been altered, with another woman’s name replacing her mother’s. Suspecting wrongdoing, she approached the Upper Circle Office in Karvenagar, where officials confirmed that forged documents had been used to tamper with the records.
Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly misused the e-Hakk digital system to initiate the illegal transfer. A fake death certificate was reportedly created to falsely show that Nikam’s mother had passed away. Based on this, forged heirship documents and related paperwork were prepared to establish a claim over the property.
With assistance from Rathod, these documents were submitted to the tehsil office, leading to changes in the ownership records. The accused also allegedly managed to register themselves as legal heirs. Additionally, Shinde is accused of creating a fabricated power of attorney in the name of Nikam’s mother to reinforce the fraudulent claim.
Police officials stated that Nikam’s prompt verification helped stop the process before the property could be fully transferred.
A case has been registered under sections related to cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Assistant Police Inspector Babasaheb Zarekar is currently investigating the matter to determine the full extent of the fraud and whether more individuals were involved.
