Nashik Land Scam: 439 Individuals Served Notices Over Alleged Housing Scheme Evasion
The office of the assistant collector and sub-divisional officer (SDO) in Nashik has taken decisive action by issuing revision notices to 439 people connected to 49 contentious land transactions. This move invokes Section 257 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (MLRC), 1966, marking a significant crackdown on alleged fraudulent activities in the region.
Probe Reveals Fabricated Sub-Division Maps
According to officials, the action stems from a revision application filed by the Nashik tehsildar, which directs landholders to produce valid documents supporting the alleged sub-division of their plots. The notices, dated March 18 and signed by naib tehsildar Jitendra Dhanrale, cover properties across multiple localities including Adgaon, Deolali, Wadner Dumala, Panchak, Mhasrul, Nandur Dasak, Gangapur, and Chincholi.
A probe conducted by the deputy superintendent of land records uncovered that developers had submitted fabricated sub-division maps to talathi offices. Despite no actual measurement or legal division taking place, records were manipulated to show fragmented plots in the names of 439 holders, as stated by additional tahsildar Amol Nikam.
Alleged Evasion of Inclusive Housing Scheme
At the heart of this case is the alleged attempt to circumvent Maharashtra's Inclusive Housing Scheme. This policy mandates that residential projects larger than 4,000 square meters reserve 20% of their area for economically weaker section (EWS) and low-income group (LIG) housing, to be transferred to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada).
To evade this requirement, developers purportedly created artificial land fragments, each under the 4,000 square meter threshold, using forged documents and falsified layouts. This systematic manipulation has led to a criminal case at the Sarkarwada police station, involving 150 builders and landowners.
Hearing Scheduled and Potential Consequences
The SDO has scheduled a hearing for March 27 at 3 pm, warning that if any of the 439 notice recipients fail to appear, the office will proceed ex parte and may strike their names off the Record of Rights. This underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the authorities' commitment to addressing the issue.
Historical Context and Impact
The alleged malpractice dates back to 2013, shortly after the inclusive housing policy was implemented. Over the years, developers in areas like Mhasrul, Adgaon, and Deolali are believed to have used forged signatures of land records officials and manipulated layout plans.
The irregularities came to light after a high-level committee led by the additional district collector examined 128 projects and flagged 49 for serious violations. Authorities estimate that Nashik has forfeited nearly 6,500 potential EWS homes due to these tactics, highlighting the significant social and economic impact of the alleged fraud.
This case underscores ongoing challenges in land governance and housing policy enforcement in Maharashtra, with potential implications for future regulatory measures.
