The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has exposed a staggering scam worth Rs 100 crore, which revolves around the illicit allocation of a substantial land parcel to a private developer within the Gomtinagar Extension scheme. This allocation was purportedly made in exchange for land located in the catchment area of the Gomti River. The investigation, spearheaded by LDA Vice-Chairperson Indramani Tripathi, revealed that the Authority initiated land acquisition for the Shaheed Path and Gomtinagar expansion schemes in various villages as far back as 2000.

However, a critical piece of land, spanning 6,070 square metres in Maleshemau village near Shaheed Path, was curiously excluded from the acquisition process due to its location within the Gomti catchment area. The subsequent inquiry report, disclosed to the public on Monday, unveiled a fraudulent claim of ownership over this land in 2006 by a local resident, who subsequently sold it to a developer through a registered deed.

Intriguingly, on October 30, 2006, one of the developer's partners submitted an application to the LDA, asserting that the disputed land had been acquired by the Authority for its two schemes. In the application, they requested the allotment of undeveloped land of an equivalent area in exchange, according to officials.

This revelation marks a significant development, shedding light on the complexities and irregularities surrounding land allotments and acquisitions within the region. Authorities are expected to take stringent action to rectify the situation and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.