In a significant development in a long-running land record fraud investigation, the CID Crime has arrested former Nandod Mamlatdar Rohit Babulal Pakhawala for allegedly certifying a disputed land ownership entry that reportedly caused a financial loss of more than ₹1.29 crore to the Gujarat government.
The arrest was carried out by the Vadodara Zone of CID Crime following an extensive investigation into irregularities related to land records in Narmada district. Authorities allege that the former revenue officer misused his official position and approved land-related entries without following mandatory legal procedures and verification requirements.
The case has once again brought attention to alleged irregularities in land administration and revenue records in Gujarat, an area that has frequently witnessed scrutiny from investigative agencies.
What Is the Case Against Rohit Pakhawala?
Alleged Illegal Certification of Land Ownership Records
According to CID Crime officials, the case revolves around land located in Bakhar village of Narmada district. The disputed matter concerns Survey Numbers 33, 35, 41, and 42. Investigators claim that Entry No. 504 related to the land had already been cancelled. Despite this, a new Entry No. 670 dated December 10, 2008, was allegedly certified and approved during Pakhawala’s tenure as Mamlatdar.
The investigation alleges that the certification was granted without conducting adequate verification of claims that the beneficiaries were hereditary farmers, a requirement under applicable land laws. Authorities contend that the approval process ignored legal provisions and established procedures that should have been followed before certifying such entries.
Government Suffered Loss of Over ₹1.29 Crore
According to the findings of the investigation, the disputed certification allegedly resulted in a financial loss of approximately ₹1,29,39,150 to the state government. Officials believe that the improper approval of land records enabled benefits that would not have been available had legal requirements been followed correctly.
The alleged loss became a key factor in the criminal investigation initiated by CID Crime. Investigators are now examining whether additional financial transactions or land transfers occurred as a result of the disputed entry.
Misuse of Official Authority Under Scanner
The CID Crime has indicated that preliminary findings suggest the former Mamlatdar may have abused his official authority for personal or unauthorized purposes while processing the land records. Authorities have stated that the investigation is focused on determining whether the certification was merely an administrative lapse or part of a larger conspiracy involving multiple individuals.
Arrest Made Following Registration of CID Crime Case
Following the registration of a criminal case by CID Crime Vadodara Zone, officials arrested Rohit Pakhawala late at night and produced him before a competent court. The court subsequently granted police remand until Monday, allowing investigators additional time to question the accused and examine relevant documents.
CID officials are expected to review land records, revenue files, administrative approvals, and related communications during the remand period. The agency may also seek additional evidence from revenue department archives and district-level administrative offices.
Investigation Expands Beyond Former Mamlatdar
The investigation is not limited to a single individual. CID Crime officials have confirmed that they are examining whether other government officials, private parties, intermediaries, or beneficiaries were involved in the alleged irregularities.
Investigators are expected to scrutinize:
- Revenue department records
- Land ownership documents
- Mutation entries
- Administrative approvals
- Beneficiary details
- Historical transaction records
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests if evidence suggests broader involvement.
More Action Possible as Probe Continues
Officials have indicated that the investigation remains active and additional developments may emerge as documentary evidence is analyzed. The findings could potentially reveal whether procedural violations occurred at multiple administrative levels.
Background of the Accused Officer
According to available information, Rohit Pakhawala most recently served at the Wild Sanctuary (Ghudkhar Sanctuary) in Kutch before retirement. Sources indicate that disciplinary proceedings had previously been initiated against him, and a chargesheet had reportedly been filed in connection with administrative matters. He is understood to have retired from government service approximately three and a half years ago.
The current arrest relates specifically to the land record certification matter being investigated by CID Crime.
Importance of Land Record Transparency
Land records form the foundation of property ownership and agricultural rights in India. Errors or irregularities in revenue records can lead to disputes, financial losses, and legal complications.
Experts note that transparency in mutation entries, ownership certifications, and land transfer approvals is essential to maintaining public trust in the revenue administration system. Government agencies across India have increasingly adopted digitization and stricter verification processes to reduce the possibility of fraudulent entries and unauthorized land transactions.
Conclusion
The arrest of former Nandod Mamlatdar Rohit Babulal Pakhawala marks a significant development in a land record fraud case involving an alleged loss of more than ₹1.29 crore to the Gujarat government. CID Crime investigators claim that a cancelled land entry was improperly certified without adequate legal verification, leading to financial damage to the state.
With the accused currently under police remand, investigators are expanding the probe to determine whether other officials or private individuals played a role in the alleged irregularities. The outcome of the investigation is expected to have important implications for land administration and accountability within Gujarat’s revenue system.
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