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UP Police files FIR against ex-ADM, others in ₹400 crore land scam in Kanpur Dehat
The Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against a former additional district magistrate, company representatives and bank officials in connection with an alleged land scam linked to a thermal power project in Kanpur Dehat. The case involves government land mortgaged to banks to obtain large loans, with land restoration in government records and an estimated circle-rate value of over ₹300 crore.
Why It Matters
The case involves alleged collusion among public officials, corporate entities and banks over a high-value land deal, illustrating potential governance and financing irregularities connected to a major infrastructure project.
Timeline
3 Events
May 12, 2026: FIR registered; probe ordered; accused named
May 12, 2026
An FIR was registered at Musanagar police station on the complaint of Bhognipur tehsildar Priya Singh. The FIR names former additional district magistrate O. K. Singh, the two companies (Himavat Power and Lanco Anpara Power), bank officials (IDBI, Canara Bank and Punjab National Bank) and other administrative officials for forgery and criminal conspiracy. District Magistrate Kapil Singh had ordered a probe after it came to light that government land was mortgaged to banks without state government permission. The land had been restored in government records, with a circle-rate value above ₹300 crore, and the loans were near ₹1,500 crore.
2026: 15-year delay and mortgage concerns
2026
Even after about 15 years from the initial allotment, no construction had begun and the land remained vacant. The administration alleges the companies violated the agreement by mortgaging government land to banks to obtain loans worth nearly ₹1,500 crore; the land was later restored in government records, with an estimated circle-rate value above ₹300 crore.
2011: Land allotted for proposed thermal power project
2011
Gram sabha land and private agricultural land in Bhognipur area were allotted to two companies, Himavat Power and Lanco Anpara Power, for a proposed thermal power plant. Under the agreement, construction and power generation were to begin within three years.