PM Modi Helps Former Schoolmate Recover Land After Long Dispute

An 81-year-old man named Asgar Ali Vohra from Mira Road, Thane, has successfully regained possession of a disputed piece of land after nearly 15 years of legal battles. The resolution came shortly after Vohra met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he attended school with.

Vohra had purchased the 2,810-square-metre plot in Navghar, Bhayander East, in 1989. In 2011, however, the land was allegedly encroached upon by two construction firms linked to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Narendra Mehta. Reports from The Times of India indicate that the firms involved are Swayam Builders and Mehta's own Seven Eleven Constructions.

Having pursued various governmental channels without success for an extended period, Vohra resorted to seeking assistance from his former classmate, Prime Minister Modi. During their meeting on September 8, Vohra requested not only help with the land issue but also a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the circumstances surrounding the dispute.

The situation took a decisive turn on September 15, when Narendra Mehta announced he would relinquish his claim over the land and withdraw a previous complaint he had lodged against Vohra, who has constantly maintained that he never sold or transferred the property to anyone.

Photographs from Vohra's meeting with the Prime Minister were shared by Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who expressed hope that the Prime Minister would ensure justice for Vohra.

As reported by the PTI news agency, Seven Eleven Constructions has officially surrendered its excavation permit for the disturbed plot and requested the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation to cancel its construction permission. Legal documents indicated that the firm acquired the land from a person named Mervyn Fernandes in June 2019.

Furthermore, a complaint that accused Vohra and an associate of criminal trespass and intimidation was also being withdrawn. Letters confirming both the withdrawal of the complaint and the surrender of construction permits were presented ahead of a municipal hearing scheduled for September 16.

Vohra’s situation underscores the complexities often faced by individuals in land disputes, particularly against politically connected entities. As Vohra remarked before the meeting with Modi, 'I bought the property around 37 years ago. But in 2011, it was grabbed by two builders, and I have been fighting this battle ever since.'

The forthcoming municipal actions related to the land matter will be closely monitored, especially given the level of intervention from high-ranking officials. This recent development reflects the intertwined nature of personal connections and political influence in resolving long-standing disputes.