THE National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has ini tiated an investigation into alleged land purchase cases involving BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak. The Commission has issued letters to the collectors of Jabalpur, Umaria, Dindori, Seoni, and Katni dis tricts, directing them to provide the Commission with all docu ments, procedures, and investi gation reports related to land pur chased in the name of tribals. The Commission clarified that the complaints allege violations of the provisions of the Tribal Land Protection Act.

 

In such cases, it will examine whether the land purchase process was conducted in accordance with the rules, and whether any pressure, fraud, or legal loopholes were used. Collectors have been asked to obtain reports from the relevant tehsils and revenue depart ments and submit them to the Commission within the stipulated timeframe to determine further action. POLITICAL TURMOIL OVER THE INVESTIGATION: The Commission’s action has heightened political turmoil in the state.

 

The opposition was already attacking the government and the MLA over these cases. Now, the investigation by the central constitutional body has fur ther escalated the matter. According to sources, controversies have periodically arisen in many districts regarding the purchase and sale of tribal land. The complainants allege that influential individuals purchased tribal land bypassing legal restrictions, affecting the rights of indigenous communities. Based on the reports submitted by the collectors, the Commission will conduct further hearings and take necessary action. If the investigation reveals irregularities, the case will be pursued further.