- Allegations of political patronage
Bhopal: A major encroachment scandal is unfolding in the state capital, with allegations of political patronage shielding illegal land grabs on valuable government property. Despite repeated High Court orders and administrative notices, authorities have failed to act, raising serious questions about the rule of law.
Decades of impunity at Satnami Nagar
The most egregious example is in Satnami Nagar in the Govindpura area, where more than ?10 crore worth of government land has been illegally occupied for over 15 years. Approximately 30 unauthorized shops were built on the land and allegedly sold for ?5 lakh each by local BJP-affiliated leaders. Since a 2011 High Court order to clear the land, four different Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have issued five notices, yet no action has ever been taken. A recent notice on July 21, 2025, warning of demolition by July 29, also went unenforced.
Inconsistent enforcement raises questions
This inaction is being contrasted with other, more forceful drives. The administration recently cleared several illegal colonies in areas like Govindpura, Chhawani Pathar, and Mayuri Garden, freeing up land worth ?12.5 crore. However, the Satnami Nagar case and another incident at the Asaram Ashram in Gandhi Nagar, where a demolition drive was halted due to protests, highlight what critics call a biased approach.
Public outcry and political pressure
Local residents are now demanding to know why the administration’s bulldozer, which is quick to demolish the homes of small shopkeepers and the poor, stops short when it comes to politically connected land grabbers. The inaction has not only fueled public outrage but also contributed to traffic congestion, drainage problems, and a strain on basic infrastructure. The administration now faces a critical choice: uphold the law or continue to operate under political pressure.
