The land allottment to Videocon for its LCD panels manufacturing factory in neighbouring Navi Mumbai has been questioned by a PIL filed by a Pune-based organisation.
The allotment was recently in the news as state revenue minister Narayan Rane lashed out at the government's decision to give land to Videocon at an allegedly cheap rate.
Now Vikram Bokey, a former IPS officer and a member of Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, has filed a PIL through his NGO, Maharashtra Organic Farming Federation.
"We are seeking a thorough probe into the allotment," Bokey told reporters. Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, the state council of ministers and CIDCO (to which the land belongs) have been made party to the petition.
The MOFF contends that the land, measuring about 100 hectares, is located in a prime area — close to Mumbai — and it has been underpriced.
"Why is the land being given to Videocon for a mere Rs 300 crore when its market price is ten times as much?" Bokey asked, while talking to reporters.
Bokey also said that despite sending a legal notice to the Chief Minister seeking details of the allotment, there has been no reply.
The petition will come up for hearing in the due course.
