TOI IMPACT: DC recommends suspension of Belagavi South sub-registrar over fake land registration

Belagavi: In connection with the registration of property using alleged fake documents and forged signatures, Belagavi deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan on Tuesday recommended the suspension of the Belagavi South sub-registrar to the inspector general of registration and commissioner of stamps (IGRCS), Bengaluru.

The recommendation follows the registration of a sale deed for 9 acres and 33 guntas of land in Ankalagi village of Bagewadi hobli in Belagavi taluk on April 24, 2026. The land belonged to Digambar Kulkarni, a resident of Hubballi who, according to official records, died nearly 39 years ago. However, the sale deed showed Kulkarni as having personally appeared before the Belagavi South sub-registrar’s office to execute the transaction.

The alleged fraud was exposed in a detailed investigative report published by The Times of India in its Tuesday edition. Acting on the report, DC Roshan recommended immediate disciplinary action against the concerned official and said an FIR would be registered on Wednesday.

According to the deputy commissioner’s recommendation, this is not an isolated instance. Another property belonging to the same owner, measuring 8 acres and 37 guntas in Survey No. 366 of Ankalagi village, was allegedly transferred to a private entity on Sept 5, 2024, using forged documents and impersonation. Following media reports and a petition before the Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka high court, the Belagavi tahsildar later cancelled the registration, and the land continued to remain in the name of Digambar Kulkarni.

Officials said the subsequent registration of another property of the same deceased owner, despite the earlier cancellation, has exposed serious lapses in verification and safeguards in sub-registrar offices.

Speaking to the TOI, Roshan said action against the sub-registrar was expected on Wednesday. “I have recommended the suspension of the concerned sub-registrar and directed that an FIR be registered,” he said.