Telangana Government to Launch Forensic Audit of Land Records: Dharani Portal Transactions Under Scrutiny
The Telangana government is set to initiate a forensic audit of land records and Dharani portal transactions to address concerns over irregularities and restore public trust in the land management system.
Forensic AuditLand RecordsDharani PortalTelangana GovernmentReal EstateReal EstateAug 31, 2025
The audit follows the state government’s decision, taken a month ago, to scrutinize suspicious land transactions recorded in recent years. Sources in the revenue department confirmed that the terms of the agreement have been cleared by the law department, making it possible for the exercise to commence.
According to officials, the first phase of the audit will cover transactions in Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Sircilla, and Siddipet districts. These districts were chosen due to the high volume of high-value transactions and numerous complaints about irregularities. Depending on the findings, the audit could later be expanded to other districts of Telangana.
The move is directly linked to concerns about the functioning of the Dharani portal, which was launched in September 2020 during the BRS government’s tenure. The portal was designed to consolidate land records and enable online transactions. However, several complaints were raised about alleged misuse, including transactions taking place at unusual hours and reports that some entries originated from outside India. This prompted the government to order a deeper probe.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy had earlier stated in the assembly that a forensic audit was necessary to restore credibility and protect landowners. They emphasized that the audit would focus on whether the integrity of the records was compromised, whether there had been tampering, and whether prohibited or government-owned lands had been transferred illegally.
A senior official explained that the Kerala-based agency will be given access to three sets of data: records of government and prohibited land parcels before 2014, data recorded after the Dharani portal was launched in 2020, and the current status of these lands. By comparing the three, the agency is expected to prepare a report within three months.
The agency will also verify the authenticity of the transactions, the location of servers, and the timing of the entries. If tampering is detected, the report will indicate where, when, and how it occurred. Sources added that the forensic examination may rely on digital footprint analysis and could potentially explore blockchain-based verification, though it is not yet confirmed whether blockchain will be used. A digital footprint, also called a digital dossier, consists of all activity linked to a user’s identity, including IP addresses, login details, and transaction history. Such data trails can reveal whether unauthorized access occurred or if transactions were executed from outside the country.
The audit is expected to have wide implications for land ownership disputes in Telangana. Large tracts of land in Rangareddy, Medchal, and Hyderabad are under litigation, with several cases involving overlapping claims of ownership. Officials believe that by establishing a verifiable digital trail, the audit could help courts and government agencies decide disputes more effectively.
While the government has described the audit as a corrective step, some stakeholders in the real estate sector believe it could slow down transactions in the short term. Developers and buyers may hold back until the audit clarifies the status of key parcels. However, senior officials argue that once the exercise is complete, it will help restore confidence in the land records system.
The Telangana government first announced its intention to order a forensic audit in December last year. Since then, revenue and IT officials have been working on identifying a suitable audit partner. With the MoU scheduled to be signed shortly, officials said the process is now ready to move to the implementation stage.
The final report from the agency, expected within three months of commencement, will be submitted to the state cabinet. Based on its findings, the government is likely to initiate corrective action, which may include cancellation of irregular transactions, disciplinary action against those found responsible, and strengthening of safeguards in the Dharani portal.
Officials stressed that the ultimate goal of the exercise is to ensure transparency and accountability in Telangana’s land management system. They said the audit will not only address past irregularities but also help design systems that prevent such issues in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the forensic audit in Telangana?
The purpose of the forensic audit is to scrutinize suspicious land transactions, restore public trust in the land management system, and ensure transparency and accountability.
Which districts are included in the first phase of the audit?
The first phase of the audit will cover transactions in Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, Sircilla, and Siddipet districts.
What data will the audit agency have access to?
The audit agency will have access to records of government and prohibited land parcels before 2014, data recorded after the Dharani portal was launched in 2020, and the current status of these lands.
How long is the audit expected to take?
The audit is expected to be completed within three months of its commencement.
What are the potential implications of the audit for land ownership disputes?
The audit is expected to help courts and government agencies decide land ownership disputes more effectively by establishing a verifiable digital trail.
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