Pune: MLA Ravindra Dhangekar alleges Rs 200-crore rehabilitation land scam, alleges involvement of State Revenue Minister

October 12, 2024

Pune: Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar on Friday (October 11) alleged that a 31-acre land worth Rs 200 crore meant for the rehabilitation of Kasarsai Dam project-affected people was transferred to another owner through a registered document even before it was distributed to the beneficiaries.

Dhangekar alleged that the transfer of ownership of the land was done with the blessings of State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.

The minister concerned visited Pune after the State Cabinet meeting on Thursday to issue an order in this regard. The District Administration also tried to issue the order late in the night.

Dhangekar demanded a probe into the deal of the land meant for the Kasarsai Dam project-affected people. Therefore, an investigation should be conducted and the guilty should be booked.

He handed over a petition to District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase. Later, he addressed a press meet. Dhangekar alleged that persons close to Vikhe Patil are involved in the scam while the minister himself has helped them.

Dhangekar said, “This is an attempt to usurp the government land at Gat number 154 and at five other Gats in Maval taluka. The rehabilitation of project-affected people is expected on this land. The 7/12 extract of the said land is in the name of the District Collector. However, the land ownership is being transferred through a registered deed by Sachin Shinde, Shweta Acharya and others, who are close to Minister Vikhe Patil.

“A stay was brought on the distribution of the land for many years. However, Vikhe Patil lifted the stay for the benefit of Shinde and Acharya. A big financial deal has been done in this matter. The District Administration has ignored the prevailing land distribution policy and the rehabilitation rules to please the minister. The land worth crores of rupees is being grabbed by paying a pittance.

“The Deputy Registrar prepared a deed of the land under pressure, though he knew that its owner on the 7/12 extract is the District Collector. The matter should be probed at a high level. A criminal case should be filed against those transferring, purchasing the land and also the Deputy Registrar, who has helped them.”

MLA Dhangekar also handed over a petition to State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil.