"Land acquisition involving Gajbhiye must be probed by CBI because the area where huge ponds have been dug for fishery measures much more than that purchased in the name of the police officer," BJP Odisha unit president K V Singhdeo told reporters after a party team visited Gop area in Puri district.
Though it is claimed that a little over 7 acres was purchased in the name of Gajbhiye's wife at Gop, the BJP team found three huge ponds spread over an area of not less than 70 to 90 acres, Singhdeo claimed.
Alleging that illegal land acquisition and encroachment was carried out by land mafia and unscrupulous elements in the area in last two years, the BJP leader said about 1,400 acres were grabbed by them for fishery and prawn cultivation.
Even around 700 acres belonging to Lord Jagannath was used for such activities, Singhdeo alleged adding these "nefarious activities" were apparently taking place with complete knowledge of revenue officials, tahsildars and elected representatives.
A team of the anti-corruption vigilance wing and revenue officials had recently visited Gop for a field inquiry after allegations about Gajbhiye's illegal acquisition of land surfaced.
Gajbhiye has been placed under suspension for police excesses during anti-Sarathi Baba demonstration in Kendrapara on August 7 when he was the district SP.