Gariyaband: In the region of Payali Khand, a shocking case has emerged where an elected village chief has allegedly taken control of land belonging to tribal people rich in diamonds. Astonishingly, even after two decades, there is no mention of the mines in revenue records. The descendants of the original landowners are left in dire conditions, with no compensation in sight.
The incident unfolded in Senumura of Devbhog Tehsil, where the land of Adivasi Sahadev Gond revealed the presence of diamonds in 1987. However, the information about the diamond-rich land owned by Bhunjiya Barnu Netaam in Payali Khand came to light only in 1992. The Madhya Pradesh government’s Mining Corporation conducted surveys on both mines, leading to prolonged legal battles. Despite the jewels reaching foreign markets, the rightful owners still reside in humble dwellings.
Complications arose when the diamond-rich land of the tribal community registered in the name of Barnu was allegedly transferred to the village chief, Bahur Singh, in an unauthorized manner. The rightful heirs of the valuable land have been denied compensation due to the prolonged legal proceedings. The mining corporation’s exploration activities have put the ownership of the precious land into question.
The descendants of Barnu, the rightful owner, found that after his demise, the entire land was transferred to his son, Jayaram, uncle Kuvar Singh, and Santosh. However, with their passing, Nayan Singh became the head of the approximately 12-acre property. The land, once bearing the mark of diamonds, is now under the name of the village head Bahur Singh, according to the legal documents.
Nayan Singh expressed concern that if the diamond mining had been properly documented in revenue records, his family would have retained their rights to the valuable land. The heirs are now demanding justice for the alleged improper acquisition of the diamond-rich land by Bahur Singh.
In response to the situation, Anurag Diwan, Joint Director of the Mineral Department, stated that legal proceedings regarding both mines are pending in the High Court due to irregularities in the prospecting process. Diwan assured that once the proper acquisition of the mines is completed, compensation and other assistance will be provided to the rightful owners. The case brings attention to the urgent need for a fair resolution to protect the interests of the indigenous community.
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