A significant case of alleged land fraud, involving hundreds of acres earmarked for a solar power project, has been uncovered in the Kutch East region of Gujarat. Police have initiated legal action after it was discovered that a notarised agreement to sell approximately 800 acres of agricultural land was executed without the knowledge or consent of the 116 legitimate landowners.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The Gagodar police have registered a formal case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 61(1), 336(1), and 336(2). The accused individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR) are Veera Bharwad, Mera Bharwad, and Mamu Koli, among others.
The land in question is located in Bhimdevka and Fulpara villages of Kutch East. According to the fraudulent agreement, the price was fixed at Rs 4,21,000 per acre, with the stated purpose of setting up a solar plant. The total land area involved is a staggering 800 acres.
How the Scam Was Uncovered
The complaint was filed by Arvind Koli (35), a farmer from Bhimdevka village. His ordeal began on December 16, when he received a PDF document via WhatsApp from Anupsinh Jadeja, a resident of Shivlakha village in Bhachau taluka. The document turned out to be a notarised agreement to sell the 800 acres of land.
Upon examining the document, Arvind found his father's name, Daja Koli (75), listed as a seller for 5.5 acres of their family land under revenue survey number 110. Arvind immediately knew something was amiss, as his father had never discussed or agreed to sell their land for any solar project.
The agreement was purportedly executed between buyer Anupsinh Jadeja and sellers including Veera Bharwad, Khanpara Chimanlal, Mera Bharwad, and Mamu Koli. When Arvind confronted Anupsinh, he was told that members of the other party had prepared the agreement, claiming the land was being sold for the solar project.
Police Investigation and Farmer Denials
Subsequent inquiries by Arvind and other concerned farmers revealed a shocking truth. Farmers from both Bhimdevka and Fulpara villages categorically denied having any negotiations, discussions, or giving consent for the sale of their land.
Based on these findings, the complainant alleged that the accused conspired to create a bogus notarised agreement to sell land that did not belong to them. The intent, according to the complaint, was to cheat both the actual landowners and any prospective buyers who might rely on the forged document.
Police officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the conspiracy, the specific role of each accused person, and whether any financial transactions were conducted based on the fraudulent agreement.
