Chhattisgarh. In Korba district of Chhattisgarh, India, a massive fraud involving land acquisition for a power plant and coal washery has been exposed. The scam involves 23 non-tribal people who used forged tribal certificates to buy around 500 acres of land from the real tribals at a low price. The High Court has taken up the case and issued notices to the culprits and the authorities.
What is the ACB Power Plant Scam?
The ACB power plant scam is one of the biggest land scams in the history of Chhattisgarh. It involves the acquisition of land for the construction of a power plant and a coal washery by ACB India Limited, a private company, in the Koylanchal Deepka area of Korba district.
The scamsters, who were not tribals, obtained fake tribal certificates from the local authorities and used them to buy land from the actual tribals, who were unaware of their rights and the market value of their land. The scamsters then sold the land to ACB India Limited at a much higher price, making huge profits. They also received compensation of thousands of crores of rupees from the government for the land acquisition.
The tribals, who were cheated of their ancestral land, were left with nothing. They were also deprived of their constitutional rights and benefits as scheduled tribes.
How Did the High Court Get Involved?
The High Court of Chhattisgarh took cognizance of the matter after a petition was filed by some tribal activists and lawyers, who demanded a thorough investigation and action against the scamsters and the officials involved. The High Court issued notices to 31 people, including the Chhattisgarh government, the state government’s secretary, the Korba collector, the sub-divisional officer, the district level certificate verification committee, the high level certificate scrutiny committee, the tehsildar, and the fake tribal certificate holders and land buyers.
The High Court also asked the revenue department to initiate the process of returning the land to the original tribals and canceling the fake certificates. The High Court also sought a report on the status of the land acquisition and the compensation paid to the land owners.
What are the Implications of the Scam?
The ACB power plant scam has exposed the corruption and collusion of the local authorities and the private company in exploiting the tribals and their land. It has also revealed the lack of awareness and protection of the tribals’ rights and interests. The scam has also raised questions about the environmental and social impact of the power plant and the coal washery on the region.
The High Court’s intervention has given hope to the tribals, who are fighting for their land and justice. It has also put pressure on the government and the company to ensure transparency and accountability in the land acquisition process. The High Court’s verdict will have a significant bearing on the future of the power plant and the coal washery, as well as the rights and welfare of the tribals.
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