Major Breakthrough In Surat’s Rs 2,500 Crore Silent Zone Land Scam: CID Arrests Key Accused From Pune

Surat: In a significant breakthrough, Gujarat CID Crime has arrested Anant Patel, a key accused in the massive Rs 2,500 crore Silent Zone land scam, from Pune, Maharashtra. Patel, who had been absconding for months, served as a City Survey Superintendent and is believed to have played a central role in orchestrating the fraud. His arrest is expected to open the door to further major disclosures.

The scam, which rocked Surat in early 2025, involved the manipulation of government land records to create fake property documents. Authorities say that land parcels officially designated as “Silent Zones”, areas where development is legally restricted, were fraudulently shown as privately owned. These lands were then illegally sold off for massive profits.

Investigators allege that Patel misused his official position to facilitate the creation of forged documentation and to push through illegitimate certifications from other government departments. His insider access and authority are believed to have been instrumental in the execution of the scam.

The scam came to light after suspicious activities were reported concerning valuable plots in Surat’s West Zone. Based on initial findings, a formal complaint was lodged with the CID Crime Branch. The investigation progressed quietly, with officers gathering intelligence and working undercover. Acting on a tip-off, CID teams conducted a late-night raid in Pune, resulting in Patel’s arrest.

Authorities are now intensifying their investigation, anticipating that Patel’s interrogation will unravel further layers of the scam and possibly implicate more high-profile individuals.