A major compensation irregularity has surfaced in the Bharatmala highway project being executed under the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor. Allegations of financial misconduct amounting to nearly ₹12 crore have emerged in connection with land acquisition in Nayak Bandha village of Abhanpur block.
Following a formal complaint, Raipur Division Commissioner Mahadev Kavre has ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter.
How the Alleged Irregularity Came to Light
According to official records, an intention letter for land acquisition related to the Bharatmala project was issued on April 12, 2019. At that time, land bearing Khasra numbers 1260, 1262, and 1264 was registered in the name of Pradeep Sahu, a resident of Nayak Bandha.
It is alleged that after the issuance of the acquisition notice, the land was deliberately divided into 21 smaller parcels through gift deeds, transferring ownership to multiple family members. The alleged objective was to inflate the total compensation by enabling separate payouts for each beneficiary.
Land Transferred to Family Members
As per the complaint, ownership was transferred to Pradeep Sahu’s father Gaindlal, mother Rambai, brothers Balmukund and Prahlad, wife Kusum, and children Vedant and Saumya, among others.
The complainant claims that this restructuring of ownership was carried out solely to increase compensation amounts by showing multiple claimants instead of a single landowner.
Revenue Officials Accused of Collusion
Serious allegations have also been made against members of the revenue department. The complaint questions the role of Patwari Jitendra Sahu and the then Tehsildar Shashikant Kurre, alleging that land mutation procedures were completed in violation of prescribed norms.
It is further alleged that, with the involvement of land acquisition officials, compensation files were prepared in a manner that resulted in a financial loss of approximately ₹12 crore to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
RTI Complaint Triggered Probe
The issue came to light following a complaint filed by an RTI activist. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the divisional commissioner ordered an administrative inquiry.
The investigation will examine whether land mutations carried out through gift deeds after the issuance of the acquisition notice were legally valid and identify any procedural lapses or deliberate misconduct.
Documents Under Scrutiny
Ravi Singh, Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) and Land Acquisition Officer, Abhanpur, confirmed that inquiry orders have been received from the commissioner’s office. “All land records, mutation documents, and compensation files are being thoroughly examined. A detailed report will be submitted once the investigation is complete,” he said.
Strict Action Promised if Charges Are Proved
Commissioner Mahadev Kavre stated that the inquiry is currently underway. “If the allegations are found to be true, strict action will be taken against all individuals and officials involved, as per rules,” he said.
