Bhilai Municipal Corporation has issued notices to more than 80 farmers in connection with alleged illegal plotting activities, sparking both anger and concern among the farmers. The farmers maintain that they only sold their agricultural land, and the plotting work was carried out by land mafias. They argue that action should be taken against those responsible for the plotting, not against them.
The notice, issued on May 29 by the Municipal Commissioner, states that the farmers have violated regulations by plotting and registering their land within the municipal limits. This action is in contravention of the Municipal Corporation Act and colonizer rules. The case came to light following a letter from the Deputy Registrar, Durg district.
The corporation has demanded a response from the farmers within 15 days. The notice also mentions that if a satisfactory response is not received, the guilty farmers could face imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and a fine of up to one lakh rupees. The farmers are now preparing to seek justice from the Collector.