Katni: BJP MLA and former minister Sanjay Satyendra Pathak has come under intense fire after tribal communities and political groups alleged a massive land scam involving 1,135 acres purchased under the names of poor tribal employees. The controversy has triggered major protests and raised serious questions about alleged benami transactions and the disappearance of key individuals linked to the case.
Massive Protest in Katni
On Wednesday, Adivasi Congress and the Gondwana Ganatantra Party held a fierce demonstration outside the Katni Collectorate. The protest turned tense as tribal workers clashed with police, demanding immediate action against the BJP MLA.
What Is the Allegation?
According to the complaint led by activist Divyanshu Mishra, Pathak allegedly purchased vast tracts of land in Dindori district using the names of four of his employees:
- Natthu Kol
- Prahlad Kol
- Rakesh Singh Gaur
- Raghuraj Singh Gaur
Protesters allege these individuals, belonging to poor tribal families, were used merely as fronts in what they call a “large-scale benami land operation.” They claim the tribals had no financial capacity to acquire such high-value land.
Four Tribal Employees Missing
The most alarming allegation is that all four employees, in whose names the land was registered, have gone missing ever since the complaint surfaced.
Divyanshu Mishra stated:
“We informed the SP in writing that their lives were in danger. But the police have taken no action. Neither their statements were recorded nor were they provided any protection.”
Matter Reaches Delhi
The controversy has now drawn national attention. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issued notices on 15 September to the collectors of Katni, Jabalpur, Dindori, Umaria and Seoni, demanding explanations on how such an enormous property could be registered under the names of economically weak tribal workers.
However, activists allege that the collectors have not provided any satisfactory response so far.
Demand for Bank Account Probe
Protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Collector demanding a detailed investigation into the last 25 years of bank transactions of the four tribal employees. They claim financial records will reveal the truth behind the alleged benami dealings.
Meanwhile, the Katni Collector has stated that information related to the case is currently being compiled.
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