A large-scale land encroachment case has come to light in Rajkot, where over 200 homes were built on government land estimated to be worth Rs 30 crore. The residential colony, named Shivam Park Society, was developed nearly a decade ago in Mahika village on Bhavnagar Road.
Authorities revealed that the colony was constructed without legal ownership of the land, which belongs to the government. The issue remained unnoticed for years until the Taluka Mamlatdar&rsquo;s office identified the encroachment nine months ago and began formal action by issuing an initial notice under Section 61 of the Land Revenue Code.
Eviction notices have since been served to the society&rsquo;s residents, warning that failure to vacate may result in demolition. The total area under dispute measures about 2.5 acres. The development was reportedly initiated by an individual named Mukesh Patel, who is now deceased. Homebuyers allege they paid between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 8 lakh per house, believing the purchases were legitimate.
A resident, speaking about the eviction notice, said, &ldquo;We have received a notice to vacate, but where will we go? We bought this house by selling our jewellery, and our loans haven&rsquo;t even been repaid. I purchased a ready-built house for Rs 7.87 lakh three to four years ago from Bhupat Tak. At the time, the survey number was 200, but the notice mentions survey number 283.&rdquo;
Another resident shared, &ldquo;When we bought the house, we were told it was government land but that nothing would happen.&rdquo; A woman raising two children on her own stated, &ldquo;I have two children and bought this house by taking a loan which is still unpaid. Why didn&rsquo;t the government take action earlier if it was their land?&rdquo;
In response to the notices, homeowners have produced several documents, including stamp duty receipts and records from the gram panchayat. They stated that Mukesh Patel had assured them he held legal ownership of the land.&nbsp;
Electricity bills and a certificate marking the site as a proposed society named Shiv Residency were also submitted during the administrative proceedings.
Officials conducted two hearings to review the matter. If the documentation provided by the residents is declared invalid, final orders will be issued. The residents will then have 60 days to appeal to the Sub-Divisional Officer.&nbsp;
Under Section 202, the authorities are also preparing to serve demolition notices. Should residents fail to vacate voluntarily, the government will move forward with demolition of the unauthorised structures.
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Residents of a decade-old Rajkot society face eviction after homes found built on government land.

200 Rajkot Homes Face Eviction After 10 Years

Residents of a decade-old Rajkot society face eviction after homes found built on government land.

June 28, 2025 | 23:20 IST