CBI files two cases in Delhi plot allotment scam, conducts raids

The CBI has registered two cases against some officials of the Delhi government and DDA and others for wrongful allotment of plots under a scheme meant to rehabilitate farmers whose lands were acquired by the government.

The plots were allotted under a welfare scheme launched by the Delhi government. The alleged wrongdoings occurred between 1998-1999 and 2002-2003.

The cases were filed last week under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating) and forgery of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act against certain officials of the Delhi's government's Land and Building (alternative section) Department, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and other "unknown" public servants and private persons on the charge of committing irregularities in the allotment of residential plots.

The first case was registered against the then Deputy Secretary (alternative) H.R. Sapra, then Upper Division Clerk/dealing clerk Swarn Singh Malhi (since retired), both having worked in the Land and Building Department, advocate Neeru Kumar Gupta and Suman (a private person).

"The offence pertains to the period between 1998 and 1999," a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official said.

The second case was registered against the then Deputy Director Badrul Islam (now retired) and then UDC/dealing clerk Swarn Singh Malhi, both posted in the Land and Building department at the relevant time, the then dealing officer Suresh Chandra Kaushik (now in DDA) apart from Rajasthan-based duo Satish and Pankaj.

The offence pertains to the 2002-03 period, the official said.

The Land and Building Department officials allegedly conspired with private persons and submitted forged documents before a committee that approved allotment of alternative plots in the name of non-existent/fictitious/pseudonymous persons.

"Based on the said recommendations, the DDA allotted alternative plots in its posh Dwarka residential schemes. The beneficiaries impersonated the owners of acquired land, whereas no land was acquired from these beneficiaries under the said scheme," the CBI official said.

After the cases were registered, the CBI conducted raids at eight locations across the capital city, including offices and residential premises of the accused. Several incriminating documents were seized during the raids, the official said.

--IANS

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