Bhopal/Ashoknagar | July 24, 2026
The proposed Ashoknagar Bypass Project has come under intense scrutiny amid allegations of serious irregularities involving changes to the project’s alignment, large-scale permissions for the sale of non-transferable patta land allotted to economically weaker Scheduled Caste families, and extensive land transactions around the proposed route. The issue has triggered political and administrative concern.
Complainants have alleged that the proposed bypass alignment was altered through the alleged collusion of officials, land mafias, and influential individuals. According to the allegations, hundreds of bighas of land were subsequently purchased along the revised route with the intention of enabling select individuals to reap substantial financial gains.
Claims of Transactions Involving More Than 350 Bighas of Land
According to the complainants, following the approval of the bypass project, more than 350 bighas of land surrounding the proposed alignment were bought and sold. It is alleged that the properties were registered not only in the names of local residents but also in the names of individuals from Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Mandsaur, and several other districts and states.
The complainants claim that land in the areas through which the revised bypass is proposed had already been strategically acquired in anticipation of a significant increase in land values once the project progressed.
Over 50 Sale Permissions Granted Within Two Days Raise Administrative Questions
One of the most sensitive aspects of the controversy concerns non-transferable patta land allotted to poor Scheduled Caste families.
It has been alleged that the then District Collector granted permission for the sale of more than 50 such land parcels within just two days—January 20 and 21, 2026. Most of these plots are reportedly located along the proposed bypass corridor.
According to the complainants, several of these lands have already been registered in favor of buyers, while the transfer process remains ongoing in other cases. The unusually large number of permissions granted within such a short period has raised questions regarding administrative transparency.
Questions Over the Change in the Bypass Alignment
Pratap Bhansingh Yadav (popularly known as Pappu Ratikheda), a member of the District Development Advisory Committee, has alleged that the original bypass plan was proposed to pass through Rusalla, Itwa, and Malkhedi Road.
He claims that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was subsequently revised, shifting the alignment toward the Ratikheda region. According to him, this change was followed by large-scale land purchases in the affected area.
He further alleged that the revised DPR increased the length of the bypass by approximately three kilometers, potentially escalating the project’s overall cost.
Farmers May Be Deprived of the Intended Benefits
Yadav stated that the original objective of the bypass was to provide farmers from the Isagarh and Nai Sarai Road regions with improved connectivity to the agricultural produce market.
However, if the revised alignment is implemented, those farmers may no longer receive the intended benefits. He alleged that private interests were prioritized over the larger public interest.
He also stated that a formal complaint would be submitted to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, seeking a high-level investigation into the matter.
Allegation of Misleading Information Being Presented to the Union Minister
It has also been alleged that officials provided inaccurate information regarding the proposed alignment during a review meeting with the Union Minister.
According to the complainants, the minister was informed that the bypass would pass through Ratikheda, Itwa, Malkhedi, Mohri, and Vidisha Road. However, a subsequent project drawing reportedly showed the alignment passing through Ratikheda, Khairaban, Trimbakpur, Bhora Ghati, Bhora Kanchhi, and Pawargarh.
If these allegations are found to be true, they could raise serious questions regarding the project’s transparency and decision-making process.
Allegations of Land Purchases Below Market Value
Citing documents, the complainants have alleged that several agricultural properties were purchased at prices significantly lower than their prevailing market value.
According to the claims:
– Around four bighas of land in Bhora Kanchhi village were reportedly purchased for approximately ₹1.186 million.
– Around 2.24 bighas of land in Ratikheda village were allegedly purchased for approximately ₹1.128 million.
– Nearly one hectare of land in the same region is also claimed to have been purchased for around ₹2 million.
Local farmers maintain that the actual market value of agricultural land located near the proposed bypass is substantially higher than the reported purchase prices. They allege that farmers were persuaded to sell at lower prices while purchasers stood to gain from future appreciation in land values.
Farmers Face a Double Blow
According to local residents, farmers whose lands were included in the original bypass alignment lived for years under uncertainty regarding possible acquisition. Following the change in alignment, they reportedly received neither the anticipated benefits of the project nor fair compensation for their land.
Meanwhile, those who had already acquired land near the newly proposed route are expected to benefit from a sharp increase in land values, leading to growing resentment among villagers.
Administration Says Final Decision Yet to Be Taken
Ashoknagar Collector Saket Malviya stated that three separate DPRs have been prepared for the bypass project and that the current proposal should not be considered final.
He clarified that changes to the alignment remain possible at the state government level and that the final route will be determined only after the government completes its decision-making process.
Demand for an Independent Investigation Intensifies
Following the allegations, local residents, farmers, and public representatives have demanded an independent and impartial investigation into the entire matter. They have urged authorities to conduct a high-level inquiry into the alleged alignment changes, land transactions, and permissions granted for the sale of patta land, and to take action against any officials or individuals found responsible for irregularities.
At present, the allegations have not been independently verified. The administration has maintained that the project has not yet been finalized and that the approval process at the government level is still underway. The actual facts surrounding the controversy are expected to become clearer only after further investigation and a final decision on the project.
