Nagpur: A controversy over the alleged illegal sale of public utility land in a cooperative housing society in Nagpur rural led to the suspension of an assistant registrar after Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Friday.The cooperation minister admitted that the inquiry report submitted in the matter was flawed and announced suspension of the assistant registrar concerned. He also assured that a detailed investigation into the role of Besa Nagar Panchayat chief officer and other officials would be completed within a month, and appropriate action taken.The issue relates to the alleged irregular sale of land reserved for public utilities in Anand Cooperative Housing Society. A plot measuring 11,107sqft, earmarked for public infrastructure, was allegedly sold in violation of planning norms.Wadettiwar told the Assembly that the land was originally reserved for installation of a transformer and other public utility purposes. However, he alleged that the society’s secretary sold the land through financial dealings to a plot holder. “The PU land was sold illegally for monetary gains,” Wadettiwar told the House, demanding strict action against the officials involved and questioning the validity of the inquiry report submitted by the authorities.He pointed out that when the area was under the jurisdiction of Besa gram panchayat, the society’s layout plan clearly showed two plots reserved for public utilities. However, after Besa was upgraded to a Nagar Panchayat, it came to light that the reserved land was sold in violation of the approved layout plan.Wadettiwar alleged that Besa Nagar Panchayat chief officer made incorrect entries in official records. He demanded that not only the officials responsible for preparing the report, but also those who approved the irregular records, should face disciplinary action.
