Surat – In a major breakthrough in the multi-crore land scam related to the Silent Zone area of Dumas in Surat, the CID Crime Branch has arrested City Survey Superintendent Anant Patel. Patel, who had been absconding, was nabbed late at night in Pune, Maharashtra. Following his arrest, CID officials have hinted at the possibility of major revelations in the case.

The scam involves manipulation of government land records, where bogus property cards were created by tampering with official documents. Land from the Silent Zone — where development is strictly prohibited under existing land policies — was falsely shown as privately owned and then sold illegally. Anant Patel is considered a key player in this fraudulent operation.

It is alleged that Patel misused his official position to assist in the preparation of forged documentation and played a central role in obtaining fake certifications from authorities to validate these transactions.

The land scam, involving highly valued plots in Surat’s West Zone, came to light after irregularities were discovered. A formal complaint was lodged with the Surat CID Crime Branch, which then initiated a discreet investigation. Acting on confidential intelligence, the CID team conducted a late-night raid in Pune and arrested Anant Patel.

Further investigation is underway, and authorities expect more key names and details to emerge as the probe deepens.