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A major land scam in Malad (West) has led to the arrest of a retired City Survey Office employee, Devdas Jairam Jadhav, for forging land records. This scam, linked to unauthorized constructions on ancestral agricultural plots in a 'No Development Zone' under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines, raises serious concerns about land management in Mumbai. The complainant, Vaibhav Thakur, discovered unauthorized developments on his family's land in 2016 and, upon investigation, found forged land maps and records. Despite early complaints, action was delayed until a high court-ordered special investigation team expedited the case. Authorities suspect broader collusion, including government officials. This scam highlights the urgent need for transparency, regulatory enforcement, and community vigilance in urban land management.
A significant land scam has come to light in Malad (West), leading to the arrest of a retired employee from the City Survey Office. Devdas Jairam Jadhav, 64, is the third individual apprehended by a special investigation team formed by the high court to probe allegations of forged documents linked to the City Land Survey Office. This case highlights serious concerns regarding land management and regulatory compliance in Mumbai's rapidly urbanizing areas. Advertisement
The scam revolves around unauthorized construction on ancestral agricultural plots that fall under the 'No Development Zone' as per Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines. The first arrest in this case was made last month when Narsim Puttavallu, a tout, was detained for allegedly manipulating land use in the suburbs. Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved in this scheme, including government officials.
The complainant, Vaibhav Thakur, has been fighting to protect his family's ancestral land in Erangal, Malad (West). Thakur first noticed unauthorized constructions on his property in 2016. When he sought clarification, workers on-site directed him to Rupa Mehta, the primary accused, who was allegedly overseeing the illegal construction. Despite Thakur's attempts to alert the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the local police, no action was taken at that time.
In 2018 and 2019, Thakur obtained maps from the City Survey Office, revealing significant alterations to the original land records. These modified maps falsely indicated that constructions existed on plots that were previously marked as vacant. According to a crime branch officer, a report from the land records office in September 2018 included altered documents that misrepresented the status of the land. This prompted Thakur to file a formal complaint alleging forgery against the unidentified officials involved.
In 2021, the Goregaon police registered a case against Mehta for cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. However, the investigation stalled without her arrest. In response, Thakur approached the high court to request that the case be transferred to the crime branch, which subsequently established a special investigation team to expedite the inquiry. Authorities believe that this scam may involve numerous other conspirators, including government officials who allegedly colluded to facilitate illegal construction through forged documents.
The implications of this case extend beyond individual land disputes. It raises critical questions about the effectiveness of land regulation enforcement in Mumbai, particularly in areas designated as 'No Development Zones.' The Coastal Regulation Zone was established to protect ecologically sensitive areas from unregulated construction, and violations can have serious environmental consequences.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential for residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant about land use practices in their communities. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in land management and the need for robust mechanisms to prevent such fraudulent activities in the future.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case or similar land scams to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and the special team is committed to uncovering the full extent of this scam and bringing all responsible parties to justice.
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