A significant land dispute has emerged in Kuntloor near Hayathnagar, where over 80 acres of Bhoodan and private land, valued at more than Rs 1,500 crore, were allegedly encroached upon last year. Squatters have reportedly erected 3,000 huts on the disputed land, prompting political intervention.
CPI leaders, including MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, recently met with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, urging him to regularise the encroachments and grant land pattas to the squatters. The Chief Minister stated that the government would consider the demand if the land is confirmed as Bhoodan land. However, he indicated that assistance would be unlikely if the land is privately owned.
The land has been the center of a prolonged dispute. Local politicians allegedly encouraged the erection of huts ahead of the November 2023 assembly polls, with some selling 40 square yards for Rs 30,000 and 50 square yards for Rs 50,000. Supporters of the squatters have constructed tanks, bathrooms, and mud roads to solidify their presence, while some leaders are reportedly guarding the land to prevent eviction.
CPI state executive member Ravindra Chary highlighted the dire situation of the poor and homeless, noting that over 5,000 huts have been constructed. He accused certain individuals of grabbing Bhoodan land with fake documents and mentioned that 40 houses in the colony were previously bulldozed. Chary remains hopeful for a favorable government decision on regularisation.
Official sources indicate that approximately 100 acres of land in survey numbers 215 to 224 in Palaiahguda, a hamlet of Kuntloor, are claimed by both the Bhoodan Board and private pattadars. Revenue authorities revealed that around 20 ownership cases are pending in various courts. The legitimacy of some pattas issued by the Bhoodan Board is also under scrutiny.
Land claimants allege that, since January 2023, certain individuals supported by a political party have attempted to seize their land. They have approached the High Court to halt the encroachments. Despite efforts by the Abdullapurmet tahsildar to remove the squatters during the assembly elections, the encroachments persist.
The High Court has instructed the revenue divisional officer of Ibrahimpatnam to remove the huts under CrPC Section 145 and protect the land. However, due to inaction, a contempt petition has been filed in the High Court, according to a senior revenue official.
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