Noida Authority Unearthed Rs.3800 Cr Real Estate Scam from 2011
Noida real estate is currently facing a significant scandal. The Noida Authority has uncovered a considerable real estate scam that reportedly took place in 2011 when the BSP was in power. During this period, the BSP government leased approximately 381,000 square meters of land to three private companies and several individuals.
Details of the Scam and Officials Involved
The Noida Authority has promptly dismissed Nayab Tehsildar and has called for the suspension of Noida's additional district magistrate (land). The authority plans to file an FIR against them. Investigations into the matter commenced right after the BSP lost power. According to sources close to the Noida Authority, three high-ranking officials are implicated in the scam:
- Harish Chandar, a PCS officer who was the secretary
- Tahsildar Ajay Shrivastav
- Nayab Tahsildar Manoj Kumar Singh
Extent and Location of the Scam
These officials are accused of allocating nearly 381,527 square meters of prime land to private firms and individuals. The land parcels are situated along the Expressway, in various sectors of Noida, such as 140A, 141, 142, and Sector 143, in violation of established norms.
Immediate Actions by Noida Authority
Nayab Tahsildar Manoj Kumar Singh has been removed from his position. Earlier, Noida Authority also dismissed Ajay Shrivastava. Sanjeev Saran, the CEO of Noida Authority, has recommended the suspension of Harish Chander, the additional district magistrate of Noida, citing his involvement in the scam. This recommendation has been forwarded to the UP Chief Secretary.
CEO Statements on the Scam
Sanjeev Saran's letter to the chief secretary indicated that the Noida secretary is responsible for the scam and that such a significant land allocation without their approval would be impossible. The prime land was allotted at a mere rate of Rs.11,000 per square meter, far below the actual rate of Rs.1 lakh per square meter.
Illegal Allocation of Land
The land was illegally allocated to three private companies and a few ineligible individuals. This allocation was done under the pretext of resolving ABADI land disputes among farmers in Sehadra village along the Expressway in these sectors. The accused officers had reportedly informed the UP government in 2011 that this allotment was necessary to maintain law and order in the region, misleading the government about the unrest among farmers.