GHAZIABAD: The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has revoked the allocation of eight plots in Gyan Khand 2, with an estimated value of Rs 30-35 crore.
The allotment, which took place in 2003, was carried out under the supervision of the then development authority secretary, Shyam Singh Yadav. Allegations have surfaced accusing Yadav of fraudulently allotting plots to his relative during his tenure as the GDA secretary.
“A committee was formed after the Allahabad HC order in which it was found that the allegations made against Singh were true. Based on the inquiry report, the allotment of seven plots has been cancelled, and a caveat has been filed in the court to prevent allottees from getting a stay from the court,” said Atul Vats, vice-chairperson, GDA.
Explaining the nature of the fraud, a GDA official said, “There was a rule that the GDA secretary was empowered to allot plots of up to 200 sqm to bonafide allottees, but Shyam Singh misused his power to allot plots of size between 150 sqm to 200 sqm to his relatives, which included his wife and brothers, mostly through the instrument of power of attorney.”
According to the official, the matter came to light in 2011 after a case was filed against Singh in Allahabad HC. The allegations were found to be true in Jan 2023, when the court had summoned the chief secretary and an inquiry was conducted.
“Based on the high committee report, the allotment of plots has been cancelled,” the official added.
While speaking to TOI, Singh called the case against him part of a ‘political vendetta’.
“The plots in question were not allotted by me as GDA secretary; rather, they were allotted before I took over by my predecessor. However, during my nine months term as GDA secretary, allottees had complaints to my office saying that allotted plots were not handed over to them, so I, as a GDA secretary, got the plots allotted,” Singh claimed.
When asked whether the plots that were allotted belonged to his relatives, Singh said, “Yes, a few plots were allotted in the names of my relatives, but not under my watch. I see it as a case of political vendetta against me, which I will contest in court.”
Shyam Singh had held the post of GDA secretary from Sept 2003 to June 2004 and retired in 2014. In 2019, he took the plunge into active politics and secured a BSP ticket from the Jaunpur Lok Sabha seat, which he won. In 2024, Singh contested for the same seat but was defeated.
