MP Revenue Official Suspended After 51 Government Properties Listed in His, Wife’s Names

Khandwa: A revenue official in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district has been suspended after an investigation found 51 government property records listed in his and his wife’s names, including public spaces and land used by local residents.

The official, identified as Rajesh Mandloi, was working as a patwari in Kolgaon village when the alleged irregularities came to light during scrutiny of property records prepared under the state’s Svamitva-related land-rights process. According to officials, 48 of the disputed property entries were recorded in Mandloi’s name, while three were registered in the name of his wife, Manisha Mandloi.

How the matter came to light

The issue emerged after property records prepared under the government scheme were made available for scrutiny. A complaint by former village sarpanch Radheshyam Tomar led to an investigation into the entries.

The records reportedly included properties that were being used as common or public spaces, including a courtyard shared by several families, an open area containing a stepwell and a platform at a village bus stand. A residential property belonging to a villager was also reportedly found recorded in Mandloi’s name.

The administration subsequently verified the relevant survey numbers and compared the official records with the properties being used by villagers.

48 properties in official’s name, three in wife’s name

According to the investigation reported by local officials, 48 government land parcels were entered in Mandloi’s name and three in the name of his wife.

Mandloi has disputed the suggestion that he deliberately acquired the properties. He reportedly said that every land parcel required a Samagra ID to be entered and that, because he was posted in the village, he used his own ID. He said he had forgotten to correct the entries later.

The administration has not yet determined the total value of the properties under scrutiny. A revenue official cited by Hindustan Times said the value could run into crores, although the investigation is still underway.

Official suspended, departmental inquiry ordered

Khandwa Collector Rishabh Gupta said the complaint was investigated and that the official was suspended after the allegations were found to be correct.

Mandloi was suspended with immediate effect under Rule 9 of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966, citing alleged irregularities and abuse of official position. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated.

Questions over verification of land records

The case has raised questions about how the disputed entries passed through the different stages of preparation and verification of rural property records.

In Kolgaon, 935 property titles were reportedly prepared under the scheme. The departmental inquiry is expected to examine how the 51 disputed entries were created, who verified them and whether other officials were involved in processing or approving the records.

The investigation is ongoing, and further administrative action will depend on its findings.