Nagpur: The Yashodhara Nagar police have registered a case against alleged land mafia and self-styled political leader Shoaeb Asad, a resident of Yerkheda, for fraudulently selling land and a duplex house that did not belong to him.

The complaint was filed by Nadeem Iqbal, a medical store owner from Ganjakhet, who alleged that Asad duped him of ₹10 lakh in 2012 by selling him a duplex built on a 1,300 sq. ft. plot in Yerkheda, Kamptee. Asad had promised to execute the registration upon receiving the remaining ₹5 lakh, but never did so.

Investigations revealed that the property actually belonged to Ahmed Nagani and three other owners, and that Asad had similarly cheated several buyers using the same modus operandi — taking advance payments and issuing fake possession letters without ownership rights.

Police sources said multiple cases of cheating have been previously registered against Asad, who is allegedly associated with the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP and formerly linked to the Sharad Pawar group. He reportedly used photographs with political leaders to intimidate victims and suppress complaints.

Officers also suspect a government employee’s involvement in brokering nearly 30 to 35 fraudulent plot deals. Police have appealed to other victims who were duped by Shoaeb Asad to come forward and register complaints.

A case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal breach of trust has been registered, and further investigation is in progress.