Nagpur: The Gittikhadan Police have booked former corporator Kamlesh Chaudhary, his mother Meena Chaudhary (also a former corporator), and his brother Mukesh Chaudhary for illegally filling a portion of Futala Lake and converting it into a function lawn. The case was registered following a complaint by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Social activist Jwala Jambuvantrao Dhote, President of Anyay Nivaran Manch, has demanded that Kamlesh be booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), citing his alleged history of criminal activities and land encroachments.
Case Details and Legal Action:
On March 19 and 20, 2025, the Gittikhadan Police registered an offence against Kamlesh, Meena, and Mukesh under:
• Sections 329(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
• Section 52 of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act
The case was filed after the PWD’s February 10, 2025, complaint, which alleged that the trio had illegally filled part of the lake (Khasra Number 18, Mouza Telangkhedi) and developed it into a function lawn. A land survey (mojni) conducted by the City Survey Office on February 24, 2025, confirmed the encroachment. Following this, PWD demolished part of the illegal function lawnand submitted documents to the police, leading to the registration of an FIR.
Third Case Against Chaudhary Family:
This is the third FIR against Kamlesh and his family for land encroachment and illegal construction.
1. February 17, 2025:Gittikhadan Police booked them based on a complaint from Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU)for illegally constructing a major portion of the function lawn in the lake’s catchment area (Khasra Number 20), which belongs to MAFSU.
2. January 24, 2023:The police registered an FIR against Meena Chaudharybased on a complaint from Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC)regarding illegal construction on MAFSU land. Despite an NMC notice under the MRTP Act, they completed the first building in 2022and later constructed a second illegal structureon the same land.
The Chaudhary family continued residing in the illegal buildingwithout ownership rights, building plan sanctions, or occupancy certificates, ignoring multiple NMC notices.
MCOCA Demand and Political Intervention:
Activist Jwala Dhote, who has been filing complaints since 2022, has called for strict action against Kamlesh under MCOCA, alleging that he has a history of land grabbing and organized criminal activities.
West Nagpur MLA Vikas Thakre had also raised the issue with Guardian Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, prompting action against Kamlesh on February 12, 2025.
Dhote stated, “Kamlesh has been involved in multiple illegal land occupations, including government and private properties. His actions are systematic and organized, warranting charges under MCOCA.”
Authorities Tighten Crackdown on Illegal Encroachments:
The ongoing crackdown on illegal constructions and encroachments in Futala Lake and its surrounding areas has intensified following this case. Law enforcement and civic authorities are expected to take further action to reclaim government land and prevent future encroachments.
