The state government has stayed construction work on a 326-acre plot in Yerawada, Pune, which comes as a big blow to some big businessmen and a high-profile NCP politician, who allegedly invested in the projects that include an IT park and a seven-star hotel.
Revenue minister Eknath Khadse issued the order on Wednesday after meeting department officials, following a complaint by a Pune right to information (RTI) activist.
“We We will hear the matter and will let it continue only if the work is authorized. If not, the government will take possession of the plot,” Khadse told mediapersons.
“There are many big names involved, including an NCP leader. We will check if they have taken permission from the divisional commissioner, municipal or any other authority. It involves a Rs 1,800-2,000 crore investment,” said Khadse.
Ravindra Barhate, who filed the complaint, said in 1989, an unregistered trust acquired revenue rights on more than 79 acres from the state government. He said the trust allegedly claimed an adjoining 326 acres for the projects.
“A trust is claiming the land on the basis of forged documents, and is cheating the government and courts,” he said. “It has misled the government and is trying to acquire land worth thousands of crores of rupees for building an IT park, a seven-star hotel and other commercial projects.” He said an attempt was made by some people to grab land with forged documents, which has been proved through old documents.
The Shivaji Nagar police had filed an FIR against the hotel company, the construction firm, a trust and businessmen in July 2014 in Pune. “The then secretary (revenue & forest department) had submitted the report, which mentioned all details,” the activist said.