The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh has continued its ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption with a major action. On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, strict action has been taken in the approximately ₹400 crore land scam in the Bhognipur area of Kanpur Dehat. Regarding financial irregularities in the name of setting up a thermal power plant, the administration has taken a tough stance and filed a case against the former ADM and officials of related companies and banks.
This case started in 2011. The government had allotted gram samaj and private farmers’ land in Chapra Ghata and surrounding villages (Kripalpur, Bhunda, Rasoolpur, and Bharatholi) for the thermal plant. When District Magistrate Kapil Singh came to know that government land had been mortgaged to banks without government permission, he ordered an investigation. The investigation revealed that companies, in collusion with officers, had caused revenue loss. Following this, on the complaint of Bhognipur Tehsildar Priya Singh, an FIR was registered at Musanagar police station.
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Thermal Plant Proposal in Bhognipur
In 2011, Himavat Power and Lancco Unaprra Power companies were given approximately 2332 acres of land in 7 villages in Bhognipur, Kanpur Dehat, for setting up a thermal power project. As per the agreement terms, these companies were supposed to start construction work within 3 years and begin power production. But even after 15 years, the companies have done no work there, and the government and acquired land remains vacant today.
These companies committed fraud by violating the terms of the land agreement. The administration also received complaints that the power companies had mortgaged this government land and taken loans of ₹1500 crore from banks. The companies neither built the power plant nor repaid the banks’ loans.
Key Findings from the Investigation
The investigation revealed that in this entire matter, there was collusion not only between the companies and banks but also with the then Additional District Magistrate (Land Acquisition) O.K. Singh.
When the banks tried to auction this valuable land illegally, current District Magistrate Kapil Singh took cognizance and immediate action was taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The auction was stopped and it was recorded in government records.
Currently, the value of this land is more than ₹300 crore as per circle rates, while the market value is much higher. On the instructions of the government, a case has been registered at Musanagar police station against both companies, officials of related banks (IDBI, Canara, PNB), and guilty administrative officers/employees under various sections of forgery and conspiracy.
