By EX7 News Investigation Bureau
Washim, Maharashtra: The struggle of farmer Santosh Motiram Shinde of Village Davha, Taluka Malegaon, District Washim, has emerged as a matter that raises significant questions regarding land acquisition, administrative accountability, police conduct, and the protection of farmers’ rights during major infrastructure projects.
According to Santosh Shinde, his family has been facing prolonged hardship since land was acquired for the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg project. He alleges that approximately 27 gunthas of his family’s agricultural land were acquired and that compensation-related issues remain unresolved. These are allegations that should be independently examined by the competent authorities.
To sustain his family, Shinde states that he obtained a bank loan and established Supriya Family Restaurant (Dhaba) on his ancestral land. He says the business is the sole source of livelihood for his family, including his elderly mother, wife and children.
Allegations of Police Action
Shinde has submitted a formal complaint alleging that police personnel from Jolka Police Station, including Police Officer Pandurang R. Ingle, Police Constable Vinod Bhivasan Damodar, and others, visited his premises, allegedly detained him and his wife, used force and intimidation, and ignored the fact that the underlying property dispute is pending before a competent Civil Court.
He further alleges that physical force was used against him, his clothes were torn, and his wife was subjected to harassment. These allegations have been placed before senior police authorities, and EX7 News notes that they remain allegations unless established through an independent investigation.
Civil Dispute and Rule of Law
Court records referred to by the complainant indicate that the property dispute is pending before the competent Civil Court and that interim protection has reportedly been granted. If a judicial order is in force, any action affecting the disputed property should be undertaken strictly in accordance with law and subject to the Court’s directions.
The matter therefore raises broader questions about adherence to due process and respect for judicial proceedings.
Allegations Against MSRDC Officials
Shinde has also sought an independent inquiry into the role of certain officials of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). In his complaint, he has requested that authorities examine whether any official misconduct, abuse of power, irregularity in land acquisition, or improper coordination with private individuals occurred.
Separately, complaints have reportedly been submitted seeking vigilance and criminal investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving certain MSRDC officials. Those allegations also require investigation by the competent agencies. At present, no finding of guilt has been made by any court or investigating authority.
Concerns Regarding Farmers’ Rights
The case has become symbolic of wider concerns expressed by several project-affected families regarding:
- Fair compensation;
- Transparency in land acquisition;
- Protection of livelihoods;
- Accountability of public officials;
- Respect for court orders; and
- Lawful police conduct.
Development projects are essential for public infrastructure, but they must also operate within the framework of the Constitution, statutory safeguards, and the principles of natural justice.
A Farmer’s Statement
Speaking about his struggle, Santosh Motiram Shinde said:
“We are Indians and we have inherited a tradition of standing against injustice. I will continue to pursue my legal rights through lawful means. My fight is for justice, dignity and the future of my family.”
This statement reflects his personal position and forms part of his publicly asserted grievance.
Questions That Merit Independent Investigation
The authorities may consider examining the following questions:
- Were all statutory procedures relating to land acquisition and compensation followed?
- Are any compensation claims still pending?
- Was there any violation of a subsisting court order?
- Were police powers exercised strictly in accordance with law?
- Was there any abuse of official position?
- Is there any evidence of collusion between public officials and private persons?
- Were the rights of the affected family adequately protected?
EX7 News Position
EX7 News believes that infrastructure development and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights must go hand in hand. Allegations involving public authorities deserve impartial scrutiny based on evidence, due process and the rule of law.
The allegations described in this report have been made by the complainant and are matters that require investigation by the competent authorities. The individuals and authorities named are entitled to respond to these allegations, and EX7 News will publish their responses if received.
Justice must not only be done—it must also be seen to be done.
