The Bhilai Municipal Corporation has sent notices to over 80 farmers, accusing them of illegal plotting. This action has led to a wave of concern and anger among the farmers, who claim they only sold their agricultural land. They are placing the blame on land mafias, stating that the authorities should be targeting them instead.
The Municipal Commissioner’s notice, issued on May 29, accuses the farmers of violating regulations by plotting and registering land within the municipal jurisdiction. This violates the Municipal Corporation Act and related colonizer rules. The matter was brought to light following a communication from the Deputy Registrar of Durg district.
The corporation has set a 15-day deadline for responses from the farmers. The notice also warns that a failure to provide a satisfactory response could lead to penalties, including imprisonment for 3 to 7 years and fines of up to one lakh rupees. The farmers are now preparing to approach the Collector to seek a resolution.