Udaipur, November 22, 2024 - In the highly publicised 272-plot local scam two individuals have been arrested by the Udaipur SOG. Deepak Chauhan, was arrested on November 7, 2024, while Rakesh Solanki was detained on November 13, 2024. Solanki had previously served as a ward member in a village in Gujarat.

According to SOG Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Swati Sharma, the two accused were involved in creating fake documents and using dummy candidates to carry out transactions for the plots.

Sharma mentioned that after their arrest, the accused were presented in Court and were remanded to police custody. Yesterday, November 21, they were again presented before the Court from where they were sent to judicial custody. During interrogation, names of important individuals have come up in connection with the case. However, investigation is still continuing to ascertain how the Municipal Corporation had managed to issue lease deeds for such a large number of plots.

During interrogation, it came to light that Chauhan, a resident of UYT Colony, had arranged for the fake documents, while Solanki of Ambamata, Udaipur, but originally from Panchmahal, Gujarat, had brought in dummy candidates from Gujarat. They manipulated documents fraudulently and carried out the transactions.

It may be recalled that about 12 years ago, Udaipur Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) had transferred some plots to the Municipal Corporation and ownership boards were put up there. However, due to lack of proper management, these plots became targets of illegal encroachment. The matter came to the attention of the SOG in 2022 and since then, an investigation has been going on.

This issue of the 272-plot scam was first raised by former Congress Councillor Ajay Porwal after which the case was brought up by former city MLA and current Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. About four months ago, current city MLA Tarachand Jain again raised the issue in the State Assembly saying it was a Rs 500-crore scam.