AIIMS Scientist Falls Victim to ₹60 Crore Real Estate Fraud

A serious case of alleged real estate fraud has come to light in the national capital, where a scientist working with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was reportedly cheated of ₹60 crore in a land transaction. The fraud is alleged to have been carried out using forged ownership documents, with the land sold to the victim later found to belong to a third party.

The matter surfaced after the victim initiated an independent verification of the property documents ahead of construction. The verification reportedly revealed that the land was not owned by the sellers, prompting the scientist to approach the police. A case has since been registered at a police station in south Delhi, and an investigation is currently underway under relevant sections dealing with cheating, forgery, and criminal intimidation.

Plan to Build a Home Ends in Financial Loss

According to the police complaint, the scientist, who resides with family in a residential locality of south Delhi, had been planning to purchase land to construct a private residence. During this process, contact was established with individuals introduced as landowners through an intermediary. The complainant was shown a plot in a prime area of the city, which was presented as legally owned and free from encumbrances. After discussions, the land deal was finalised for ₹60 crore. Relying on the documents shown and assurances provided, the full amount was transferred to the sellers.

However, before proceeding further with construction-related formalities, the scientist opted to get the land records independently verified. It was during this due diligence exercise that the alleged fraud came to light, with records indicating that the land was registered in the name of another person and that the documents submitted during the deal were forged.

Second Attempt to Defraud After Police Complaint

Police sources say that after learning that the matter had been reported to law enforcement authorities, the accused allegedly made fresh contact with the victim. This time, it is alleged that an alternative land parcel was offered in exchange for the ₹60 crore already paid, in an apparent attempt to neutralise the complaint. The victim was taken to view another site and was told that ownership documents would be prepared in their name. However, exercising caution, the scientist again sought verification of the property records. This check reportedly revealed that the second land parcel was also not owned by the accused, indicating a repeated attempt at fraud.

Allegations of Threats and Coercion

The complaint further alleges that when the victim confronted the accused over the second instance of forgery, pressure tactics were employed. It is claimed that threats were issued, warning of serious consequences if the police complaint was not withdrawn. Following these developments, the victim informed the police about the alleged intimidation, leading investigators to expand the scope of the case to include criminal threats. Police officials say these claims are being examined alongside the core allegations of financial fraud.

Police Probe Focuses on Documents and Money Trail

Investigators are currently scrutinising original land records, forged documents, bank transaction details, and communication records linked to the case. Efforts are also underway to determine whether the accused have used similar methods in other real estate transactions and whether additional victims may be involved. Law enforcement officials note that cases involving forged property documents have been on the rise in urban areas, particularly in high-value land transactions. They emphasise that such frauds often involve complex paper trails and require coordination with revenue authorities and financial institutions.

Caution Urged in High-Value Property Deals

The case once again highlights the risks involved in real estate transactions, especially where large sums are involved. Legal experts advise prospective buyers to conduct thorough due diligence, including verification of ownership, title history, revenue records, and encumbrances, before transferring any funds. Authorities reiterate that reliance on verbal assurances or photocopied documents can expose buyers to significant financial losses. Independent legal and revenue checks, they say, are essential safeguards.

A Growing Pattern of Sophisticated Real Estate Fraud

Overall, the alleged ₹60 crore fraud involving an AIIMS scientist underscores how increasingly sophisticated real estate scams have become in metropolitan cities. Beyond the immediate financial impact on individuals, such cases raise broader concerns about document security, enforcement gaps, and the need for stronger deterrence. As the investigation continues, the case is being closely watched as an example of how trust, when combined with forged paperwork, can be exploited—making vigilance and legal scrutiny indispensable in property transactions.