By: Sachin Dhumal
Pune: A multi-crore land allotment scam has been exposed in Pune district, where rehabilitation townships were built for dam-affected project-affected persons. Serious irregularities have come to light, including the allotment of multiple plots to beneficiaries and distribution of plots to ineligible individuals.
The Pune District Administration has taken serious note of the matter and a swift investigation is currently underway. Social activist Amit Raut from Shikrapur has been fighting against this scam for several months, submitting written complaints and strong evidence to the government.
During the Legislative Assembly session held on July 17, 2025, MLA Jayant Patil raised the issue of this scam. Patil alleged that there has been corruption by collusion in the land allotment under the dam projects, with ineligible people receiving plots and the same family receiving multiple plots.
According to the evidence submitted by Amit Raut, serious irregularities have occurred in Shikrapur, including Rautwadi and several other villages. Land reserved for public facilities such as cremation grounds, anganwadis, roads, and water supply schemes has been illegally plotted and sold.
Furthermore, plots accepted by beneficiaries who did not reside on them have been sold off by mutual consent. The complainant suspects the involvement of some district administration officials in this scam.
Amit Raut had sought information on land allotments across the entire district under the Right to Information Act. However, he was deliberately provided with incomplete information, receiving details only for a few selected villages.
In light of this scam, Amit Raut and other social activists have put forth key demands, including a separate divisional inquiry into the entire rehabilitation land allotment process in Pune district.
They have also demanded the publication of a list of those who received duplicate benefits and criminal action against them, removal of encroachments on public utility lands, and immediate cessation of the sale of open plots.
The Pune District Collector has taken cognizance of this serious matter and has reportedly ordered an inquiry without any interference. Now, all eyes are on whether strict action will indeed be taken against the culprits in this case.
This scam has infringed upon the rights of dam-affected persons, and it remains crucial to see if they will receive justice. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will determine the fate of those involved in the scam.
The involvement of district administration officials in the scam has raised questions about the extent of corruption in the system. A thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government schemes and projects, particularly those meant for vulnerable sections of society like dam-affected persons.
