A sensational ₹920 crore e-stamp scam has rocked Kalyandurg in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district, exposing a complex web of fraud, political connections, and alleged misuse of public trust. At the heart of the scandal is one man: Errappa, also known as MeeSeva Babu, now under intense scrutiny for orchestrating one of the state’s largest digital stamp frauds.
The Core of the Scam
Police investigations reveal that Errappa allegedly forged and tampered with nearly 13,000 fake e-stamp papers, using them to evade mandatory stamp duties. The forged documents were then used to acquire hefty bank loans, particularly through SR Constructions, a firm owned by Errappa. The scam not only defrauded the state of revenue but also put financial institutions at significant risk.
During raids on Errappa’s residence, authorities seized a trove of fake stamp papers, rubber stamps, and fabricated legal documents. Adding to the gravity of the scam, over ₹2 crore was found parked in his bank account—suspected to be part of the illicit profits.
Political Underpinnings
The case has quickly taken a political turn. YSRCP leaders have openly alleged that TDP Kalyandurg MLA Alimineni Surendrababu is more than just a distant acquaintance of Errappa. Viral photos of the MLA with the accused, coupled with claims that he is a partner in SR Constructions, have intensified public suspicion and opposition scrutiny. YSRCP has also accused the ruling TDP of encouraging scams after coming to power, calling the ₹920 crore e-stamp scam a clear example. Locals in Kalyandurg are angry and demanding a transparent investigation.
While the MLA has not yet released an official response, the silence is adding to the speculation, with calls growing louder for a clear and honest explanation from the elected representative.
Ongoing Investigation
Errappa and several of his family members are currently under interrogation, and officials suggest that more names may emerge as the probe continues. Given the magnitude of the scam, the authorities are expected to widen the investigation beyond Kalyandurg, including financial institutions and land transactions linked to the fake e-stamps.
🧾 What is an e-Stamp?
An e-stamp is a digital way of paying stamp duty (a kind of tax) on legal documents like land deals, agreements, loans, etc. It’s safer and meant to stop fraud.
How can an e-Stamp be scammed?
Let’s say you want to buy a plot of land. Legally, you should buy an e-stamp worth ₹10,000 to register the sale. That ₹10,000 goes to the government as tax.
But instead of buying a real e-stamp, a scammer creates a fake one that looks real (using computers, printers, etc.). Prints it and uses it in the deal. Keeps that ₹10,000 in his own pocket instead of giving it to the government. Now multiply this by thousands of deals — and suddenly, you have a scam worth hundreds of crores.
🧨 Why is it a big deal?
The government loses huge amounts of tax money.
Banks can give out loans on fake documents and lose money.
People buying land or property with fake stamps can lose their rights or get into legal trouble.
