Maharashtra’s political landscape heated up as BJP MP Kirit Somaiya fired off a letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis, insisting on a Special Investigation Team for the burgeoning Mira-Bhayandar land scam. The allegations paint a picture of systemic fraud in one of Mumbai’s key growth corridors.
At the heart of the issue are claims of massive irregularities in land allocation and conversion processes. Somaiya details how public lands were surreptitiously allotted to private entities through doctored papers and kickbacks. The scam, he argues, has inflated property rates artificially while impoverishing rightful owners.
In his comprehensive four-page letter, Somaiya provides timelines, plot numbers, and implicated officials. He criticizes past probes as eyewash, asserting only an SIT with enforcement powers can deliver results. ‘Half-measures will only protect the perpetrators,’ he cautioned.
Mira-Bhayandar, home to lakhs of middle-class families, has seen explosive realty growth. Yet, this boom has been marred by scams that question regulatory oversight. Residents recount horror stories of lost farmlands and disputed titles, fueling anger against local administrations.
Fadnavis, credited with previous anti-corruption drives, faces a delicate balancing act. Supporting Somaiya could alienate allies, but ignoring him risks backlash from the BJP base. Analysts predict the CM might order a preliminary inquiry to buy time.
Somaiya’s activism has already garnered national attention, with similar demands echoing in other districts. This push highlights broader challenges in India’s land governance: outdated records, political interference, and weak enforcement. A thorough SIT probe could set a precedent for cleaning up the sector.