Gujarat
,
Jhalapur
,
Kheda
Published :
|
Updated :
December 20, 2024
Locals outraged as Gujarat's Jhalapur village sold amid land dispute
Reported by
Suchak Patel
Legal Review by
Anmol Gupta
Edited by
Anupa Kujur
48
Households affected
400
People affected
Year started
1
ha.
Land area affected
48
Households affected
400
People Affected
Year started
1
Land area affected
Key Insights
Sector
Land Use
Reason/Cause of conflict
Other Kind of Land Use
Conflict Status
Ongoing
Ended
Legal Status
Region Classification
Rural
Ended
Sector
Land Use
Reason/Cause of conflict
Other Kind of Land Use
Conflict Status
Ongoing
Ended
Legal Status
Region Classification
Rural
Ended
1
Summary

In a shocking development, the entire village of Jhalapur in Mahudha taluka of Gujarat's Kheda district has reportedly been sold, sparking anger and confusion among the residents. This comes on the heels of a similar incident of Gandhinagar's Dehgam taluka, where land ownership was sold under questionable circumstances. 

According to the sale document, survey number 162 of land, which includes critical infrastructure such as a government school, 22 government housing units, 48 residential houses, five temples, and roads built with government grants, were sold by the alleged heirs of the original owner. Over 400 residents, many of whom have lived in the village since the 1970s, are now left questioning how such a sale could occur when a legal case regarding the land ownership is still pending in court.

Villagers claim that their ancestors purchased the land in 1970 with a sale document signed on a mere five-rupee stamp paper, and they have maintained possession ever since. However, they allege that the land mafia, in collusion with government officials, tampered with land records to enable the illegal sale. The villagers have pointed out that the prime location of the village, along the Dakor-Mahudha Road, has significantly raised the land's value, making it a target for fraudulent land deals.

Despite the case being under litigation, the sale document was reportedly finalized, and a "due note" was issued, further fuelling suspicions of foul play. The villagers, led by former sarpanch Raijibhai, have submitted a petition to the Mamlatdar (Revenue officer) and the Kheda District Collector, demanding an immediate investigation. They have threatened to launch a fast unto death if no action is taken soon to resolve the issue.

Responding to the villagers' complaints, Mamlatdar Pratik Bhuria acknowledged the receipt of their petition and assured that an investigation will be conducted. "The matter has been reported to higher authorities, and we will proceed with the investigation as per their direction," he told ETV.

2
Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand for legal recognition of land rights

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Private

Non-Forest (Other than Grazing Land)

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Residential area, Government or community-regulated urban commons

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

4
Additional Information

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

5
Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Legal Supporting Documents

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Fact sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand for legal recognition of land rights

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Residential area, Government or community-regulated urban commons

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

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