Villagers of Padalwada-Bethora in Ponda have demanded an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into a land grab case in their village. The demand comes after Ponda police arrested Fardeen Shaikh, a 40-year-old resident of Sadar, Ponda, on Tuesday in connection with a major land grab operation. Meanwhile, the former deputy town planner and two directors of a real estate development firm have applied for anticipatory bail.
Arrest Made After FIR
The arrest was made more than a month after an FIR was registered. At a press conference held on Thursday, villagers called for a thorough investigation into all individuals involved in the case.
Land Ownership and Illegal Sales
The land in question originally belonged to the comunidade, but possession was later granted to villagers based on traditional usage rights. However, plots were illegally carved out of this land and sold to approximately 50 individuals. Following a complaint filed with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) by Uchchari Gaude of Bethora, Shaikh, identified as one of the middlemen involved in the land sale, was arrested.
The villagers highlighted a growing trend of land grabbing within the state and selling it to outsiders. They also warned of a fresh attempt to illegally sell more plots in Bethora.
