HYDRAA demolishes illegal structures in Ameenpur; Rs 15,000 Cr land mafia exposed

Hyderabad: In one of its largest anti-encroachment drives, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Saturday carried out a massive demolition operation in Ameenpur mandal of Sangareddy district, targeting illegal constructions on government land in Iyalapur village.

The operation, conducted under tight police security with support from Revenue and Municipal officials, focused on clearing unauthorized structures while safeguarding vast stretches of high-value public land.

No stay orders on current demolitions

Clarifying reports circulating on social and mainstream media, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath stated that no court stay orders apply to the demolitions carried out on Saturday.

He noted that while the Hon’ble High Court had issued status quo orders on the Iyalapur lands as far back as 1998, those orders were repeatedly violated over the years through continued illegal constructions.

Large-scale demolition in Iyalapur

Authorities demolished several illegal structures, including a guest house allegedly built by Mukheem and a six-storey building constructed by his brother Azeem without required permissions.

Officials said the structures were removed as they were built in violation of regulations and court directives.

Ownership dispute adds complexity

The land remains under dispute, with multiple associations claiming ownership of plotted layouts, while the government maintains that the entire extent is public land.

Amid this uncertainty, authorities alleged that a third party — Mukheem and his associates — encroached upon the land and began illegally selling plots.

These plots, which are under dispute and may belong either to the government or legitimate plot owners, were reportedly sold to poor tribal families at around ₹10 lakh per 100 square yards.

‘Land mafia operating for decades’

According to Commissioner Ranganath, Mukheem has been operating a land mafia network in the area for over two decades.

“He has amassed hundreds of crores by selling government land, including to poor tribals, while violating court orders and manipulating the system,” the Commissioner said.

Officials alleged that thousands of plots were sold through unregistered or notary-based transactions by his network.

The gang is also accused of collecting large sums every month from illegally constructed commercial establishments in the area.

Mukheem is reportedly facing 19 criminal cases, including charges of double murder and attempt to murder. He was earlier listed as a rowdy-sheeter at Malkajgiri Police Station, though the rowdy sheet was later removed following court directions.

Despite this, he is alleged to have established a strong land mafia network in and around Iyalapur through intimidation and unlawful activities. Notably, he is also said to be a practicing advocate, the HYDRAA Commissioner said.

Farmhouse built, expanded despite court orders

Authorities revealed that Mukheem had constructed a farmhouse in 2006 in violation of High Court orders to maintain status quo.

Over the past year, the structure was allegedly expanded to nearly 40 acres, further intensifying concerns over continued encroachments despite legal restrictions.

Focus on protecting government land

The enforcement drive aimed to secure government land spread across approximately 1,263 acres in the region.

Officials clarified that no action was taken against houses belonging to economically weaker sections. Instead, the focus remained on protecting nearly 860 acres of vacant land to prevent fresh encroachments.

Land worth ₹15,000 crore under protection

Preliminary estimates indicate that around 863 acres of land under protection is valued at over ₹15,000 crore.

Officials stressed that preserving such high-value public land is critical for future development and public use.

Residents express relief

Residents and plot owners in affected layouts welcomed the action, stating that they had long been concerned about illegal land sales and encroachments.

Some said they had approached courts earlier to protect their plots and were awaiting final judgments.

Locals also expressed relief over assurances that existing homes, particularly those of economically weaker sections, would not be disturbed.

Crackdown tightens grip on land mafia

HYDRAA officials said the operation was carried out with coordinated support from police, revenue, and municipal departments.

The agency emphasized that the action marks a significant step in tightening government control over land mafia activities in the region.

The large-scale drive signals stricter enforcement against illegal occupation of government land and highlights the authorities’ intent to curb fraudulent land sales while safeguarding public assets.