Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil took action by immediately suspending the Assistant Registrar linked to the Anand Cooperative Housing Society scam in Nagpur Rural. This move came after Congress Legislative Party Leader Vijay Wadettiwar highlighted irregularities in the illegal sale of land meant for public utilities. The Minister, responding to queries from members Dharmrao Atram and Nerendra Bhindrkar, also announced a thorough investigation into the Besa Chief Officer and other officials involved, with a directive to complete the probe and initiate necessary measures within a month.
The controversy revolves around the improper sale of land at Khasra Nos 10A and 10B in the Anand Society, Nagpur. It was revealed in the House that around 11,107 square feet of land, initially designated for public utilities like a transformer, was unlawfully sold by the society’s secretary, Kailas Chute, for personal gain. Despite the land falling under the Besa Gram Panchayat, Chute allegedly manipulated maps to show the area as reserved for public use. Subsequently, after the area transitioned to a Nagar Panchayat, the maps were reportedly altered to facilitate the illicit sale of plots to an individual identified as Salunkhe.
Vijay Wadettiwar strongly criticized the Assistant Registrar for submitting a misleading inquiry report to shield the culprits. He emphasized the complicity of the Besa Chief Officer in documenting these illicit transactions officially. Wadettiwar stressed the need for holding accountable those who provided false reports to protect the fraudulent activities. Cooperation Minister Patil, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, admitted the inaccuracies in the initial inquiry report and promptly suspended the Assistant Registrar responsible for the flawed document.
Patil also disclosed plans for a formal investigation into the Besa Chief Officer and other officials, with a commitment to wrap up the process within 30 days. He assured that steps are being taken to rectify the illegal transfer of the 11,107 square feet reserved plot.
