Varanasi Police & Administration To Take Big Action Against Land Mafias: Report

Varanasi : Police and administrative authorities across the Varanasi zone are preparing to intensify action against land mafias, organised crime networks and individuals involved in illegal encroachment, land fraud and document forgery.

The renewed focus comes amid a series of property attachments, demolition drives and legal action against accused land mafia operators across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

In one of the major recent actions, Azamgarh Police attached immovable property worth nearly ₹10 crore belonging to jailed land mafia Krishnachandra Rai, also known as KC Rai.

The attached property includes a multi-storey building and land located in Gram Kodar Azmatpur. Police allege that the property was acquired and developed using proceeds generated through land fraud, forged documents, fake land records and other organised criminal activities.

Rai is facing several criminal cases, including action under the Gangsters Act, and is currently lodged in Ambedkar Nagar jail. The attachment was carried out following a court order, while the local tehsildar was appointed as administrator of the seized property.

The action is being seen as part of a wider anti-land mafia campaign being carried out across the region.

Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal had earlier directed officials to adopt a time-bound strategy for cases involving organised criminals and land mafias. Under the plan, selected cases were prioritised for faster investigation, stronger prosecution, better evidence collection and improved witness coordination.

Police officials were also asked to work closely with prosecution officers to ensure quicker convictions in major land-related and organised crime cases.

Alongside police action, the Varanasi Development Authority has continued demolition drives against unauthorised plotting and illegal colony development in different parts of the city and adjoining areas.

Several illegal constructions and plotting sites have been targeted in locations including Ramnagar, Mughalsarai and other areas surrounding Varanasi. Authorities have cleared large stretches of illegally developed land under relevant planning and development laws.

Illegal plotting has remained a major concern in and around Varanasi, where land is often sold without proper approval, road access, drainage planning or legal clearance. In several cases, forged documents and disputed ownership claims are allegedly used to sell plots to unsuspecting buyers.

Land disputes and encroachment complaints also continue to reach police stations, revenue officials and senior administrative authorities across the district.

Officials are expected to further increase joint operations involving the police, revenue department and development authorities. More property attachments, demolition drives and fast-tracked legal proceedings may follow as part of the administration’s continuing action against organised land-related crime.

Authorities have advised citizens to properly verify land records, ownership documents and development approvals before purchasing property in Varanasi and surrounding areas.