More than 80 farmers in Bhilai are facing scrutiny following the issuance of notices by the Bhilai Municipal Corporation related to alleged illegal land plotting. The farmers are upset and anxious, claiming that they merely sold their farmland. They insist that the actual plotting was done by land mafias and that they should not be held liable.
The notice, dated May 29, alleges that the farmers engaged in land plotting and registration within the municipal area, violating municipal regulations. The actions are in breach of the Municipal Corporation Act and the colonizer rules. This issue was brought to the attention of the authorities through a letter from the Deputy Registrar of Durg district.
The farmers have been given 15 days to respond. The notice also warns that if no satisfactory response is received, those found guilty could face 3 to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of up to one lakh rupees. The affected farmers are now planning to appeal to the Collector for justice.