Pune: NHAI Land Scandal Unearthed: Illegal Registration of 7.90 Gunthas in Punawale

Wakad, 21st November 2023: In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that 7.90 Gunthas (Around 8603.1 sq. ft.) of land in the Punawale area, owned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has been unlawfully registered through fraudulent means for the expansion of National Highway No. 4. The matter was brought to the attention of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari through a written complaint.

Pradeep Takle, the complainant, submitted a written complaint on November 11 to the Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition No. 2, Satara, regarding the illegal purchase of government-owned land for fertilizer use without proper documentation. Despite complaints lodged with various authorities, including the project director of the National Highway Authority, the sub-divisional officer of Maval-Mulshi, and the Tehsildar of Mulshi, no action has been taken in the two months since the complaints were filed.

Takle alleges a conspiracy involving a fertilizer dealer, Punavale Talathi, Thergaon Circle, and the co-secondary registrar Haveli No. 3 Hadapsar, with the support of some senior officials. The incident occurred when, in 2012, 7.90 Gunthas of land was acquired for the widening of NH 4. However, on January 25, 2023, a builder and accomplices allegedly made a bogus purchase of the NHAI-owned developed area.

Takle accuses authorities of cheating the government by registering the document without NHAI’s prior permission. Sanjay Kadam, Project Director of NHAI, has yet to respond to the allegations despite repeated attempts to contact him.

Authorities’ Responses:

– Talathi Varsha Wadekar stated that once a registration is completed, the process must be repeated online, and they have no authority to inquire further.
– Vishnu Bhosle, Circle Officer of Thergaon, mentioned that the complainant failed to provide satisfactory replies despite multiple opportunities to submit original documents.

Tehsildar Ranjit Bhosle assured a thorough investigation into the matter and emphasized that strict legal action would be taken against any guilty parties. Additionally, the sub-registrars involved in the registration have been suspended by the government on charges of illegal registrations and violations of government rules.