The land dispute between Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Samajwadi Party MLA from Balrampur’s Gasdi assembly constituency, and a Scheduled Caste woman has returned to the spotlight. Sanghmitra Gautam, a resident of Dhusah village in the Kotwali Dehat area, has accused the MLA and his brother, Adarsh Yadav, of illegally occupying her land. The MLA, however, has denied all allegations and called the matter an old dispute.
In a petition to the administration, Sanghmitra Gautam stated that Khasra number 765, measuring 0.055 hectares (approximately 15 decimals), located on Church Road, is her ancestral land. She alleges that the MLA’s side occupied the land by dumping soil on it and constructed a boundary wall and gate.
The woman claims that the land ownership and demarcation issue has been heard at various levels in the past, and objections have been dismissed. Despite this, the encroachment proceedings were allegedly carried out.
Allegations of threats and indecency for protesting
Sanghamitra Gautam alleges that when she protested the construction, she was insulted with casteist slurs and threatened with death. She alleges that attempts are being made to suppress the matter through influence. However, these allegations could not be independently confirmed.
Claim of pending demarcation
The woman stated that the land was to be re-demarcated after the dispute was pending in the revenue courts, but this process has not progressed since April 2025. During this time, a boundary wall and gate were allegedly constructed. She also alleged that despite numerous complaints, the concerned revenue officials did not take any effective action.
Serious allegations also leveled against officials
Sanghamitra has accused some revenue officials of trying to force a settlement through pressure. She says she was advised to vacate the land and accept compensation in exchange.
The woman also claimed that she had approached the High Court in the matter, which directed the Superintendent of Police to monitor the case. She also alleged that a settlement agreement was filed in her name without her consent.
MLA Says Measurement Has Been Done Multiple Times
Meanwhile, Gasdi MLA Rakesh Kumar Yadav dismissed all allegations as baseless. He stated that the land in question has been measured multiple times, and records are available. The MLA stated that the woman has been filing objections for a long time. She can obtain the land where it is located. He also stated that the people from whom the land was purchased can be contacted and assured cooperation in resolving the matter.
Demand for an Impartial Investigation
Sanghamitra Gautam has demanded that the administration conduct an impartial demarcation of the land, remove alleged illegal encroachments, and take legal action against the culprits. Following the MLA’s statement, the truth of the entire matter will only be revealed after an administrative investigation and scrutiny of revenue records.
Sujit Kumar | Balrampur
Courtesy: Hindi News