How much has the I-T Dept seized in the crackdown on drug-land mafias?

Jaipur, May 3 (NationPress) In a notable move against drug and land mafias, the Pratapgarh Police in Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Income Tax Department, has successfully attached benami properties estimated at around Rs 15 crore, as reported by an official on Saturday.

The seized assets, which include agricultural land in the Bagwas area of Pratapgarh city, were reportedly acquired by the infamous land mafia figure Jansher Khan -- the son of Shernawaz and a resident of Akhepur -- under the names of four of his associates.

Superintendent of Police Vineet Kumar Bansal informed that Jansher Khan, who was apprehended in connection with the suicide of businessman Mustafa Bohra in November 2023, had been active in Pratapgarh and surrounding regions for a considerable time.

Following an extensive investigation by a police officer, proposals were forwarded to the Income Tax Department in Jaipur to locate and attach Khan’s benami properties.

The procedure was rigorously monitored at every stage.

According to SP Bansal, Jansher Khan was notorious for forcibly acquiring disputed properties throughout the city, often intimidating property owners into selling at diminished prices or registering ownership in his name or those of his accomplices.

In response to the police's proposal, the Income Tax Department assigned an investigation officer to scrutinize the situation.

During the investigation, the Deputy Director of Benami Prohibition within the Income Tax Department reviewed records related to the acquisition, sale, and income derived from properties in the Bagwas region associated with Jansher Khan and his affiliates.

Last month, the department sought an additional investigative report from the police.

SP Bansal ensured a comprehensive investigation by the officer from the Pratapgarh police station, and the updated report along with supporting documents was then submitted to the Income Tax Department.

Upon examining the evidence and considering both parties, the investigating officer on April 28 deemed the agricultural land -- registered under the names of Radheshyam Meena, Basanti Lal Meena, Samarth Meena, and Bhaggaram Meena -- as benami.

The officer subsequently instructed the Tehsildar of Pratapgarh to take possession of the land, valued at over Rs 15 crore.

SP Bansal further disclosed that Jansher Khan had positioned his loyal aides as witnesses in most of these property transactions to aid in seamless possession and resale.

He assured that the district police are dedicated to closely monitoring land mafia activities and will persist in taking stringent action against violators.