Chhindwara tribal land scam of 11 acres:Allegations of e-KYC fraud emerge, SDM, BMO and tehsildar face investigation over transfer

A major land fraud case has surfaced from the tourist region of Patalkot in Tamia, where 11 acres of valuable ancestral tribal land is alleged to have been illegally registered in the names of officials and their relatives for just ₹6 lakh. The case has triggered a major administrative shake-up, with the SDM, BMO, and a former tehsildar among those whose roles are under scrutiny. The matter has now also reached the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). In this whole game, the role of revenue staff (Patwari-Tehsildar) to the family members of senior administrative officers is under question. Read the report… Allegation: E-KYC used as a cover for fraud The victim, Bisan Lal Bharti, a member of a tribal family, said that his family’s 22-acre ancestral land was under dispute for partition and demarcation. He alleged that a patwari and a kotwar visited his home and claimed that signatures and documents were required for an E-KYC process under a government scheme. Since the family was not literate, they allegedly signed blank papers, believing it was a routine procedure. Those signatures were later allegedly misused to alter land records and transfer ownership. Prime land worth crores sold for ₹6 lakh Investigators say the most valuable 11 acres of land, located near the main road and Patalkot viewpoint, was selectively separated and transferred. Officials are now examining how such a large discrepancy was approved in official records. Allegations against these big names, investigation intensifies In the investigation of this scam, several influential names have come to light, in whose names this land was transferred. Victim’s claim: Bisan Lal Bharti of the family alleges that some time ago, Junnardeo SDM herself came to their house asking for land. When the family refused to sell the land, as it was their only means of livelihood, this entire conspiracy was hatched using administrative influence. Names of officials under scrutiny The investigation has brought several influential names under the scanner: The complainant also alleged that the SDM had earlier visited their home to seek land purchase, and after refusal, the alleged conspiracy began using administrative influence. Timeline of the transaction Investigation finds irregularities During the collector’s public hearing, the matter triggered immediate concern. Additional District Magistrate Dhirendra Singh stated that preliminary findings indicate suspicious involvement of BMO Jitendra Shah and the then acting tehsildar. Notices have been issued to them. However, questions are being raised over the absence of direct action against the SDM at this stage. Authorities clarified that since the land was registered in her father’s name, her direct accountability will be examined based on further evidence. Tribal Rights Commission takes cognisance The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has also taken serious note of the matter. Senior advisor Prakash Uike termed it a case of exploitation of tribal communities and has called for a detailed inquiry. The Commission is expected to conduct a high-level investigation and recommend strict action against those found guilty. Officials deny allegations Acting Tehsildar Umraj Walre stated that the entire land transaction was carried out legally. Attempts to contact SDM Kamini Thakur were unsuccessful as she refused to appear on camera, while BMO Jitendra Shah could not be reached. Victim seeks justice The tribal family is now appealing to the Chief Minister, Governor, and district administration for the restoration of their ancestral land, calling the case a serious misuse of administrative power and fraud under the guise of E-KYC.