A real estate “Land Acquisition Inquiry” has emerged concerning Suhana Khan, daughter of Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, regarding a property purchase in Alibaug, Maharashtra. The transaction, involving a 1.5-acre plot in Thal village acquired for ₹12.91 crore in May 2023, is now under scrutiny by government authorities who are examining the legality of the deal, particularly concerning agricultural land regulations. This inquiry casts a shadow as Suhana Khan prepares for her Bollywood debut.
The Alibaug Land Deal: A Detailed Examination
Key Players Involved
The central figures in this controversy are Suhana Khan, the buyer, and the sellers: three sisters named Anjali, Rekha, and Priya Khote. The Resident Deputy Collector and the Alibaug Tehsildar are the government officials actively investigating the transaction. According to reports, the property is registered under Deja Vu Farm Pvt. Ltd., a company purportedly linked to the Khan family, specifically Suhana’s grandmother and aunt.
The Core of the Issue
In May 2023, Suhana Khan finalized the purchase of the 1.5-acre agricultural land in Thal village, Alibaug, for ₹12.91 crore. The primary concern revolves around Maharashtra’s strict agricultural land laws, which generally restrict non-farmers from buying such properties without explicit government approval. Multiple reports, including one from The Indian Express, indicate that registration documents identified Suhana Khan as a “farmer,” a classification that has prompted investigation by officials. The land, initially allocated by the government for farming, was inherited by the Khote sisters from their parents. Furthermore, sources such as Business Line/Free Press Journal suggest the land was originally subject to a “no-sale” clause, requiring District Collector approval for any transfer—a condition that may have been overlooked during the sale.
Timeline of Events
The land transaction was completed in May 2023. As of September 2025, the legal investigation is ongoing, with authorities meticulously reviewing the circumstances surrounding the sale.
Location, Location, Location
The land deal and its related legal issues are localized to Thal village, situated in Alibaug, a coastal town within the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Alibaug has become a popular location for high-profile individuals seeking property, adding to the scrutiny surrounding this particular transaction.
Why the Scrutiny?
Breaching Agricultural Land Laws
The heart of the controversy lies in the classification of the purchased land as agricultural. Maharashtra’s land regulations strictly limit the sale of such land to non-farmers unless specific government clearances are obtained. The alleged designation of Suhana Khan as a “farmer” in the registration documents, combined with the potential disregard for the original “no-sale” clause, forms the basis for the current legal inquiry. NewsX has reported extensively on the complexities of these land laws and their implications for the transaction.
Potential Consequences
Sandesh Shirke, the Resident Deputy Collector, has mandated a thorough and impartial report from the Alibaug Tehsildar, focusing on the verification of documentation, land classification, and the permissions granted for the transaction. According to Pune Pulse, officials are actively investigating whether the land was legally transferable to Suhana Khan and if all necessary permissions were properly secured. If violations are substantiated, the sale agreement could be nullified, potentially leading to the land reverting to government ownership. Furthermore, those involved could face legal repercussions. Suhana Khan reportedly paid a stamp duty of ₹77.46 lakh for the transaction, according to IndexTap.com/The Indian Express. She also reportedly acquired another beachfront property worth ₹10 crore in Alibaug within the same year, according to IndexTap.com/Times Now.
Precedent and Impact
Past Scrutiny of Khan Family Properties
This is not the first instance of the Khan family’s Alibaug properties attracting official attention. In 2018, an income-tax investigation was conducted into a farmhouse linked to the family, setting a precedent for regulatory oversight of their real estate holdings in the region.
Impact on Suhana Khan’s Public Image
The ongoing inquiry introduces an unexpected element to Suhana Khan’s public image, particularly as she prepares to make her debut in Bollywood. The controversy could potentially affect public perception, adding pressure as she embarks on her acting career. India Forums and other entertainment news outlets are closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact.
Conclusion
The legal scrutiny surrounding Suhana Khan’s Alibaug land deal underscores the complexities of property transactions, particularly concerning agricultural land and regulatory compliance. The outcome of the investigation will not only determine the fate of the land acquisition but also set a precedent for similar transactions in the region, highlighting the importance of adhering to Maharashtra’s land laws and ensuring transparency in real estate dealings.
