The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing land scams in Gujarat has asked the Directorate of Forensic Sciences (DFS) in the state to explain why retired forensic officials were helping some people grab land with the help of forged documents. The SIT had identified five handwriting experts,formerly working with the DFS,who allegedly helped some land dealers,builders and real estate agents forge land sale deeds. These officials allegedly issued certificates to land grabbers stating their handwriting had been verified to be genuine. Those involved in land grab would attach these with the land sale deed as a proof of their ownership. Sources said in several of these instances,the handwriting was found to be similar. An SIT official said these officials have no authority to issue such certificates. We have asked the DFS to explain if there is such a provision that allows them to do so. The DFS says it needs time to verify who all are involved, he said. It has been about a year since the SIT asked the DFS for information on the five retired officials who are under the scanner,but it is yet to get a response. The SIT officer said they would also approach the state government for proper action and steps to prevent retired forensic officials from certifying signatures. A number of notaries had also come under the SIT scanner for helping land grabbers. The SIT was formed at the instructions of Chief Minister Narendra Modi. It is headed by the revenue commissioner and has one representative each from the CMO and the DFS,besides having three police officers.
