Dead Farmer’s Land Sold Nine Times: Shocking Misuse of Power of Attorney Revealed

Bhopal: In a major revelation, the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Bhopal has uncovered a case of fraudulent land transactions involving the property of a deceased farmer. Maniraj Singh and his associates have been accused of illegally profiting by selling the farmer’s land multiple times, deliberately concealing his death from authorities and buyers.

According to the investigation, the case stems from a written complaint filed by Yogesh Kushwaha on June 18, 2025. Kushwaha alleged that residents of Nehru Nagar, led by Maniraj Singh, misused the power of attorney granted by the late farmer Achla Singh Mewada to sell his agricultural land even after his death.

Farmer Died in 2022
Records show that Achla Singh Mewada, a resident of Barkhedi Nathu village in Jawar Tehsil, had executed a registered power of attorney in favor of Maniraj Singh on December 18, 2018, authorizing him to manage a portion of his land. This document was valid only during the farmer’s lifetime. Achla Singh Mewada passed away on February 7, 2022, after which the power of attorney automatically became invalid under the law.

Death Concealed to Continue Fraud
Investigators stated that it is the legal responsibility of a power of attorney holder to notify the registration office upon the death of the property owner and act in accordance with the law. In this case, however, the accused allegedly concealed the farmer’s death and deliberately misled government officials, prospective buyers, and the public.

Land Sold Nine Times Without Consent
Between February and December 2022, the accused allegedly divided the land into separate portions and executed nine separate sale deeds, selling the property to multiple buyers and illegally profiting from the transactions.

Power of Attorney Misused
The EOW examined registration records, property software data, the death certificate, banking details, and witness statements. The investigation confirmed that the power of attorney was deliberately misused after the farmer’s death to carry out illegal land registrations and sales. Based on initial evidence, the EOW has filed a case against Maniraj Singh and his associates for fraud and criminal conspiracy.