Fraudulent sale of 114 plots near historic Sambhal stepwell uncovered

A large-scale land scam has surfaced in Sambhal’s Chandausi town, involving the fraudulent registration and sale of 114 plots near a historic stepwell, reported TOI. Authorities revealed that these plots were sold using a fake will, primarily to members of the minority community. Police and intelligence agencies are currently investigating the ownership of the land, which was originally part of Laxmanganj locality but later became the Mughalpura colony.

The issue came to light after Gulnaz B, 54, a widow, lodged a complaint alleging fraud and intimidation. She was forced to vacate her house, built over the stepwell, on just an hour's notice. Gulnaz claims she purchased a 103-square-kilometer plot in 2016 from Aamna Begum and received administrative clearance to construct her home, said the TOI report. However, following the recent discovery of the stepwell by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), she was asked to leave. “When I confronted Aamna and her husband, they threatened my family,” Gulnaz stated in her complaint.

Inspector Renu Singh of Chandausi police station confirmed an investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, district authorities are examining land records to validate ownership claims.


In a related development, a survey conducted by Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya and Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi identified encroachments on land belonging to the ASI-protected Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple. Originally spanning 80 bighas, the temple now controls only 19 bighas, with over 50 bighas misappropriated as grazing land and leased improperly. The ASI signboard on the temple premises has also been vandalized.

Speaking to TOI, SP Bishnoi said, “A gazetted officer will examine the land records within three days. Based on the findings, an FIR will be registered. Historical documents from 1952, after the abolition of zamindari, will serve as the reference point for resolving ownership disputes.”

The authorities aim to recover encroached properties and address the irregularities uncovered in this ongoing investigation.

(With inputs from TOI)