Following the scrutiny of actor Manoj Bajpayee’s land purchase in Almora, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has launched an investigation into 23 cases of alleged land law violations.According to sources, authorities have already taken action in cases involving five individuals in the Ranikhet tehsil, where nearly 50 nali of land was acquired.
Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee has recently become embroiled in a controversy over the potential breach of Uttarakhand’s land regulations. Reports indicate that Bajpayee had bought property in the Lamgada area with an intention to establish a yoga and meditation retreat, though the land reportedly remains idle.
In response to such concerns, Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has pledged to strengthen land ownership regulations, especially to prevent non-locals from purchasing substantial land holdings solely for investment. The chief minister plans to address these legislative changes in the upcoming Budget session of the Assembly.
According to government sources, authorities have initiated an inquiry into Bajpayee’s land purchase, alongside multiple other cases involving high-profile figures, including politicians and officials. A total of 23 cases of alleged land purchase violations are currently under scrutiny, with 11 cases already pending in court and 10 others still being investigated.
The issue is part of a larger trend of affluent individuals, from public officials to Bollywood stars, reportedly taking advantage of lax land regulations. Sources state that Bajpayee acquired approximately 3,600 square yards (equivalent to 15 nali) of land in the Kapkot area of Lamgada Tehsil in 2021.
Furthermore, an administrative probe has discovered instances of potential land regulation breaches in other locations, such as Pleasant Valley and Kataramal in Majkhali, Almora district. Following these findings, authorities have ordered action on these violations.
In Ranikhet tehsil, cases involving the acquisition of about 50 nali by five individuals have also come under scrutiny. Uttarakhand’s land laws limit individual land purchases to a maximum of 1.25 nali. Based on these restrictions, Bajpayee’s land acquisition would appear to exceed these limits. Rahul Anand, the SDM of Ranikhet, has stated that action will follow upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and evidence collection process.
The alleged misuse of land regulations by the wealthy has highlighted gaps in the current system. On Wednesday, CM Dhami chaired a meeting at the Bhararisain Assembly in Gairsain to discuss establishing a stronger framework to regulate land acquisition.
