Key Accused Appears Before Police in Rs 120 Crore Adichunchanagiri Mutt Land Grab Investigation

The investigation into the alleged attempt to illegally acquire six acres of land belonging to Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt has entered a significant stage after the prime accused, Naresh Gowda, appeared before the police for questioning. The land, located in Kambipura on the outskirts of Bengaluru, is estimated to be worth nearly Rs 120 crore. Investigators believe the case involves the use of forged land records and the participation of several individuals, including government officials.

Naresh Gowda, who had secured anticipatory bail from the court, appeared before the Kengeri police as directed. During the questioning, he denied any involvement in preparing forged documents and maintained that he had only acted as a middleman in a proposed land transaction. According to his statement, he claimed his role was limited to introducing buyers and sellers and that he had no connection with any fabricated records used in the alleged fraud.

Police officials, however, are continuing to examine his role based on evidence collected during the investigation. Investigators suspect that the land deal could not have progressed without careful planning and coordination among multiple people. As a result, authorities are treating the case as a well organized conspiracy rather than an isolated attempt to manipulate property documents.

According to the investigation, the disputed land originally became the property of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt through a donation made in 1975. Out of the total 45 acres donated to the religious institution, six acres allegedly became the target of an illegal land grab attempt. Investigators claim that forged ownership records were prepared by using the name of the son of a deceased individual to falsely establish ownership over the property.

Officials believe fake land records, including manipulated RTC documents, were created to support the alleged attempt to transfer ownership. The investigation has indicated that several forged documents were prepared with the intention of presenting the land as privately owned, despite its legal status as property belonging to the mutt.

Earlier stages of the probe reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting that Naresh Gowda had played an important role in coordinating the transaction. Investigators allege that money was paid to certain individuals for preparing false documents and facilitating changes in official land records. Police are examining financial transactions, communication records, and document trails to establish the sequence of events and determine the responsibilities of each accused person.

The investigation has also widened to include government officials allegedly linked to the case. According to police, two deputy tahsildars and two village accountants are among the officials suspected of participating in the fraudulent process. Authorities believe official records may have been manipulated with the help of insiders, making the attempted land grab appear legitimate on paper.

So far, police have arrested 17 individuals in connection with the case. Investigators continue to question several accused persons while collecting additional documentary evidence. Officials believe the conspiracy involved multiple stages, beginning with the preparation of forged documents and extending to attempts to secure legal recognition for the disputed ownership.

The appearance of Naresh Gowda before investigators is being viewed as an important development because he has been identified as one of the central figures in the alleged conspiracy. While he has denied wrongdoing, police officials have stated that the investigation is far from complete and that every claim made during questioning will be verified against documentary and digital evidence.

Following the initial round of questioning, Kengeri police served another notice directing Naresh Gowda to appear again for further investigation whenever required. Officers are expected to conduct additional interrogations as they compare his statements with those of other accused persons already in custody. Investigators are also reviewing official files and historical land records to identify how the alleged manipulation took place.

The case has attracted widespread attention because it involves land belonging to a prominent religious institution and carries an estimated value of around Rs 120 crore. Legal experts note that cases involving forged land documents often require detailed verification of revenue records, ownership history, and official approvals before charges can be fully established in court.

Authorities have reiterated that the investigation remains active and that further arrests cannot be ruled out if new evidence emerges. Police are working to identify everyone who may have participated in preparing false documents, altering revenue records, or facilitating the attempted transfer of ownership. Officials say protecting institutional properties from fraudulent land transactions remains a priority, and action will continue against anyone found responsible under the law.

As the investigation progresses, attention will remain focused on the findings of the police and the evidence presented before the court. The case is expected to continue with further questioning of the accused, examination of official records, and legal proceedings against those allegedly involved in the attempted land grab.