Fake letter scandal triggers probe into Hyd housing scheme approval

HDA DG moves for inquiry as authorities suspend layout plan

HYDERABAD:

The director general of Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) has approached the Local Government Department secretary seeking a formal inquiry into the alleged approval of a private housing scheme's layout plan on the basis of a forged official letter submitted to the Planning and Development Control (P&DC) Department.

As per details, the HDA DG acted on the instructions of Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner Zeenat-ul-Abideen Memon, who flagged serious irregularities in the approval process. The DC has also suspended the layout plan approved on the basis of the fake document.

The matter surfaced after it was revealed that a housing scheme had been granted NOC and layout approval using a letter allegedly issued in the name of Hyderabad's additional deputy commissioner-I. However, verification later confirmed that the letter was forged, along with signatures and official stamps.

The DC, in a formal communication to the director P&DC, cited multiple earlier correspondences and confirmed that the disputed letter dated January 3, 2025 was never issued by the office of ADC-I and was declared fake.

Officials stated that the forged letter had been used in the approval process of a housing scheme in a high-value area along Autobahn Road, raising concerns of serious administrative lapse and possible fraud.

The DC office further stated that similar fake correspondence had been used in other cases as well, despite earlier warnings issued to relevant departments.

It warned that such practices not only cause financial loss to the government but also mislead the public into investing in illegal housing schemes.

The administration has recommended a detailed inquiry, identification of responsible officials, cancellation of all approvals based on forged documents, and strict action against those involved.