A massive land scandal has rocked Bareilly, with 19 individuals under investigation for allegedly receiving inflated compensation for land acquired for highway projects. The scandal, estimated to be worth Rs 200 crore, involves the acquisition of land for the Bareilly-Pilibhit-Sitarganj highway and Bareilly ring road.
According to sources, these individuals, who are not residents of the concerned districts, received compensation exceeding Rs 50 lakh. Authorities will verify whether they have received payments for land acquired in other highway projects across Uttar Pradesh.
The investigation has already uncovered irregularities in land acquisition in Bareilly, Pilibhit, and Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand). Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and revenue department are accused of colluding with outsiders to purchase land.
To address the issue, the government has ordered a thorough investigation into all compensation cases exceeding Rs 20 lakh. Criminal cases will be filed against those found involved in the scam. A high-level committee will be formed to monitor the case and suggest measures to prevent similar incidents.
This scandal highlights the need for increased transparency and accountability in land acquisition processes.
