KATHMANDU: Metropolitan Police Crime Division said on Monday that it has detained three persons involved in document forgery and illegal take over of public land in the Capital in 2009.

The suspects have been identified as Dinesh Bhakta Shrestha (45) of Kathmandu-13, Bal Krishna Maharjan (45) of Kathmandu-12 and Ashok Lal Shrestha (64) of Morang-13.

It has been learned that Dinesh Bhakta Shrestha is a molasses trader, while the two others are real estate brokers.

The trio allegedly managed to change the records of private and public lands at the Kalanki-based Land Revenue Office, forged land ownership certificate and succeeded in registering three ropani public land in Syuchatar VDC-3 of Kathmandu in their names on October 26, 2009, police said.

Police said they are looking into the case.