170 Registrations Valued At More Than ₹150 cr Under Scanner
File photo of IT officials at sub-registrar’s office in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer: The Income Tax Department’s Intelligence and Criminal Investigation (I&CI) wing has concluded a survey focused on irregularities in land transactions near the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan. Conducted in Jaisalmer and Sriganganagar, the survey wrapped up Thursday, leading to the return of special investigation teams to their bases.In Jaisalmer, officials seized paperwork connected to over 170 land transactions valued at more than ₹150 crore, said sources. Investigators uncovered troubling procedural irregularities, notably the absence of Permanent Account Number (PAN) details in documents related to these substantial transactions. Authorities suspect that cash payments for these registrations ranged from ₹2 lakh to ₹50 lakh and have launched a thorough examination of these entries.Similar investigation was underway in Sriganganagar, where teams scrutinised land registration records handled by the tehsil office. The inquiry was primarily focused on transactions from the last two years, particularly those adjacent to the international border. Preliminary assessments suggested irregularities in land registrations worth around ₹75 crore between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026, sources said.The investigation was initiated following directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who, during his visit to Bikaner on May 26, emphasised the need for a comprehensive probe into illegal constructions, black money, and suspicious property dealings along Rajasthan’s border regions. The I&CI wing took charge of the investigation, coordinating surveys in Jaisalmer, Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Barmer, and Phalodi, with local Income Tax Officers assisting in the effort.In Jaisalmer, a specialised team examined nearly 800 land registrations from the financial year 2024-25 and cataloged 170 suspicious cases requiring further financial investigation. This includes transactions linked to significant investments in resort areas like Sam, Ramgarh, and Khuhri, where several businesses have mushroomed recently. Preliminary findings indicate that these transactions may involve large cash movements and potential violations of registration norms, sources said.The investigation continues to reveal the names of notable business entities and high-profile individuals, sparking concerns over illicit financial activities in a strategically vital region experiencing skyrocketing land values. The seized documentation will now undergo rigorous financial scrutiny, with further actions anticipated based on the investigation’s outcomes.
