In Bihar, the ongoing efforts to address land disputes have taken a significant turn, with the state government actively working to link land records with Aadhaar numbers. This initiative aims to streamline the identification of land ownership and curb fraudulent activities associated with land transactions.
According to a report published on April 28, 2025, the linking process is progressing rapidly in Patna district, with a target set for completion by May 31, 2025. So far, more than 13 lakh land records have been successfully linked to Aadhaar, and over 17 lakh individuals have applied for this service. Officials believe that this measure will make it easier to identify the rightful owners of land and significantly reduce land disputes and fraud.
As of now, 17,45,257 people have submitted applications for land linking in Patna. Among these, investigations into 4,19,301 applications are currently underway, while 1,25,788 cases have been finalized and are awaiting linking. The areas of Paliganj and Masaudhi are leading the charge, with 75,121 and 74,855 records linked, respectively. Other regions such as Punpun, Bankipur, and Dhanarua are also making strides in this initiative.
The Revenue and Land Reforms Department has issued strict directives to prioritize the linking of records that have already been registered. This strategy ensures that individuals with legitimate land documents will see their applications processed more swiftly. The department emphasizes that linking land records with Aadhaar will help prevent illegal land sales and provide accurate information regarding land ownership.
In addition to these efforts, a serious land scam has come to light involving the Ramnagar Estate's 2.53-acre property located at Bhagwan Bazaar in Chhapra. Reports indicate that multiple constructions, including 10-15 houses and shops, have been erected on this land based on fraudulent documents. Despite the encroachment, approximately one bigha of land remains vacant, which also houses an old court building and estate office.
The ownership of this land dates back to a 1943 court-authorized family partition, after which it was passed down to Panchseeta Maharani, the wife of Ram Raja. The property is still registered in the names of her descendants, including Shiv Vikram Shah, Narayan Vikram Shah, Hari Vikram Shah, and Manmohan Vikram Shah, along with their children. Land revenue receipts have continued to be issued regularly, confirming the legitimacy of their ownership until 2025.
However, the recent investigation led by Additional Collector Engineer Mukesh Kumar, under the orders of the District Magistrate, has uncovered extensive fraud involving various parties, including lawyers, doctors, local leaders, and land mafias. The probe is examining the authenticity of documents, the serial use of the same deed number, signatures, and the identities of the buyers and sellers involved in these transactions.
In a shocking revelation, it has been found that many fake documents were generated using references from Chhapra, Champaran, Varanasi, and other districts. The investigation highlights that several of these fraudulent documents were derived from official records that have mysteriously disappeared from the registry.
To combat such fraudulent activities, digitization processes are being expedited. Records from the year 1990 onward, as well as those up to 1968 in Chhapra, are already being digitized to enhance the security of land records and prevent tampering.
Registrar Gopesh Chaudhary has stated his commitment to cleaning up the office since his appointment in July 2023, actively reporting irregularities to the authorities. He emphasized that no wrongdoing will be overlooked, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty of fraud.
Meanwhile, the Revenue and Land Reforms Department is also focusing on educating the public about how to avoid the cancellation of Dakhil Kharij applications. They are informing citizens about the necessary precautions to take when registering land and how to ensure that their applications are not rejected due to incomplete documentation.
One major reason cited for the rejection of Dakhil Kharij applications is the failure to report the record of rights for each Khesra, instead only providing the total record. The department advises landowners to ensure that every Khesra is accurately documented during the registration process to avoid complications.
As the government pushes forward with these initiatives, it is clear that the focus on transparency and accountability in land transactions is more critical than ever. The linking of land records with Aadhaar is a step towards eliminating fraud and ensuring that land disputes can be resolved more efficiently.
In conclusion, the ongoing efforts in Bihar to address land disputes and fraudulent activities are gaining momentum. With the linking of land records to Aadhaar and the investigation into the Ramnagar Estate scam, the state is making significant strides towards ensuring rightful ownership and reducing conflicts over land. As these initiatives unfold, the hope is that they will lead to a more transparent and equitable system for land ownership in Bihar.
