Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A serious allegation was raised during the general body meeting of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) on Monday, with claims that over 2,000 illegal files were approved under the Gunthewari scheme.
Corporator Vijay Autade alleged that land mafias carried out unauthorised plotting on two to three acres of land in areas such as Harsul, Mayur Park and nearby localities. He claimed that using pre-2000 bond papers, these plots were regularised under the scheme, leading to significant financial loss to the civic body and amounting to fraud. He demanded strict action against the officials and those involved.
Mayor Sameer Rajurkar directed the administration to verify the allegations. The municipal administration had also tabled a last-minute proposal to extend the Gunthewari scheme from May 1 to November 21, 2026, which triggered a discussion in the house.
Corporators Tryambak Tupe, Ashok Damle, Kishor Nagre, Savita Kulkarni and Padmasing Rajput said citizens were being harassed under the scheme.
Questions over bulk approvals
Autade raised several technical concerns, alleging that illegal plotting was carried out and sold in areas such as Gut Nos. 29 and 15. He claimed to have photographic evidence and alleged that old bond papers were being reused to sell plots to multiple buyers.
“How did civic officials not notice this? Such proposals were approved in bulk,” he questioned.
In response, deputy director Manoj Garje said that 3,317 files were approved in 2024–25, generating Rs 55.46 crore in revenue, while 9,301 files were cleared in 2025–26, earning Rs 77.13 crore. He maintained that approvals were granted as per government norms if pre-2020 sale deeds or bonds were submitted.
The mayor ordered verification of suspicious cases and immediate issuance of pending certificates and asked Autade to submit evidence.