Forensic audit uncovers Dharani irregularities; State to expand probe into all districts

Hyderabad

The government has decided to conduct forensic audits across all districts to uncover irregularities linked to the Dharani portal, following the detection of multiple violations in a pilot audit carried out in Siddipet and Sircilla.

Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that those who exploited the loopholes in the Dharani portal to grab government land and siphon off registration revenues would be dealt with strictly.

Addressing a high-level committee meeting at the Secretariat, the Minister said a forensic audit conducted with the assistance of a Central government – affiliated agency revealed serious irregularities during the previous regime. Based on the findings, the government has decided to extend the audit to the remaining 31 districts.

According to officials, around 35,000 transactions were recorded on the Dharani portal since its inception, with deficiencies identified in 4,848 cases during initial scrutiny. Detailed investigation revealed that government dues amounting to nearly ₹4 crore were not paid in connection with 1,109 registration documents. Criminal cases have already been registered against 48 persons involved in irregularities across 35 mandals in nine districts.

The Minister said the Dharani portal was introduced without adequate safeguards, enabling misuse by vested interests. He said the government had initiated corrective measures through audits conducted via the Bhu Bharati portal and set up a high-level committee to ensure accountability.

Mr. Reddy also announced that licences would be issued to another 2,000 trained surveyors in Khammam on Sunday, in addition to the 4,000 already licensed. These surveyors will undertake resurvey operations in 373 villages lacking cadastral maps.

Responding to opposition criticism, the Minister dismissed allegations of large-scale corruption as baseless and accused opposition leaders of making reckless statements. He said the government would scientifically pursue district reorganisation in line with public opinion.