Land Scam in Sambhal: Fake Will used to sell 114 plots near 150-year-old stepwell

Fraudulent sale of 114 plots near historic Sambhal stepwell uncovered

Chandausi, a town in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, has become the epicenter of a land scam involving 114 plots fraudulently registered using a fake Will. The scam, which allegedly targets members of the minority community, has prompted investigations by local police and intelligence agencies, senior district officials confirmed.

Historic stepwell eviction sparks controversy

A central figure in the controversy is Gulnaz B, a 54-year-old widow of Mohd Yusuf Saifi, who was abruptly evicted from her home last Friday. Her house, located over a 150-year-old stepwell, was vacated with just one hour’s notice following an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavation that uncovered the historic structure.

Gulnaz alleged that she purchased the 103-square-kilometer plot in 2016, securing administrative approval for construction. However, after the stepwell was unearthed, she accused Aamna Begum, her husband Zaheeruddin, and others of fraud and intimidation.

“I purchased the land legally and built my home, but when the stepwell emerged, the accused began threatening my family,” Gulnaz said.

Inspector Renu Singh of the Chandausi police station confirmed the case is under investigation.

Temple land encroachments add to scandal

The scandal deepened as a survey by Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya and Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar Bishnoi revealed illegal encroachments on ASI-protected land surrounding the Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple.

Originally spanning 80 bighas, the temple’s property has been reduced to just 19 bighas, with over 50 bighas unlawfully leased as grazing land. An ASI signboard marking the premises was also found damaged, showcasing widespread neglect.

SP Bishnoi stated, “We are verifying land records, and an FIR will be filed after review by a gazetted officer. Historical records from 1952, post-zamindari abolition, will be used to resolve the dispute. Illegal leases on temple land are being canceled, and strict action is underway.”

Chandausi SDM Nidhi Patel added, “Revenue officials are scrutinizing documents related to the stepwell and the surrounding 28 bighas of land to ensure a fair investigation.”

Builder under scrutiny in expanding scam

The involvement of a prominent builder has raised suspicions about the scale of the conspiracy. Authorities are examining their role in the fraudulent registration and leasing of land.

Stepwell: A glimpse into history

The newly discovered stepwell, spanning approximately 400 square meters, has fascinated historians and residents. It features three intricately crafted levels — two made of marble and one of brick — along with four chambers, a well, and a tunnel believed by ASI experts to have served as an escape route during the 1857 rebellion against British rule.

Ongoing investigations

As investigations into both the land scam and the stepwell continue, the spotlight remains on Chandausi’s expanding urban and historical landscape. The findings are expected to reveal further insights into illegal land deals and the town’s rich heritage.

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