LUCKNOW: The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has initiated the sealing of 170 acres in Gomtinagar, which includes the well-known Subrato Kothi owned by the Sahara Group. Signage indicating the area is sealed has been placed on-site.
This action comes after an extensive inquiry led by Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar, uncovering numerous violations of licensing and lease agreements. The land was originally allocated to Sahara India Housing Limited in 1994 for residential and green belt development, intended for housing plots and a planned community.
However, in 1997, the LMC issued a cancellation notice for the license deed due to infractions, leading to an extended legal dispute. Subsequently, the district court ruled against Sahara’s claims. Out of the 170 acres, 130 acres were designated for residential and commercial projects while 40 acres were reserved as a green belt. The investigation revealed that portions of the government-owned land were being exploited as private property, presenting financial and administrative risks.
Following recommendations from legal advisors, the LMC has annulled the license for the 130 acres and terminated the lease for the 40-acre green belt. The property department, with assistance from the tehsildar and police, has taken control of the contested land.
A senior official noted that Sahara City, constructed in breach of licensing conditions, features a grand mansion belonging to Subrata Roy along with offices, a stadium, an auditorium, guesthouses, a petrol station, a fire station, a swimming pool, a helipad, a theater, a hospital, a lake, and club amenities. Residents and staff have been notified to vacate, leaving only one entry available for municipal personnel.
Meanwhile, Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd. (SICCL) has approached the Supreme Court for permission to sell Sahara City in Lucknow, Aamby Valley in Maharashtra, and other properties in a deal with Adani Properties. The hearing is set for October 14. The group aims to recover funds to settle liabilities and adhere to court directives. To date, approximately Rs 16,000 crore has been amassed from property sales, deposited in the SEBI-Sahara refund account, with Rs 5,000 crore already disbursed to repay cooperative society depositors.
When asked if the sealed property is included in the sales petition, Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar replied, “We have not received any such notice from the Supreme Court. Additionally, we will file a caveat in the SC to ensure our position is considered first if Sahara contests this decision.”
