The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has constituted a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct an in-depth probe into alleged corruption linked to Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions at the Surendranagar District Collectorate.
The decision comes in the wake of parallel investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which recently arrested former Surendranagar Collector Rajendrakumar Mahendra Patel and Deputy Mamlatdar Chandrasinh Mori in connection with the case.
The controversy centres on allegations that officials at the Surendranagar Collectorate misused their authority to illegally process CLU applications in exchange for bribes. CLU approvals, which are crucial for converting agricultural land into non-agricultural or industrial use, are highly regulated and often involve substantial financial stakes. Preliminary findings suggested that several applications were cleared through irregular procedures, triggering complaints and vigilance inputs.
Acting on these inputs, the ACB registered a First Information Report (FIR) on December 23, 2025, at the Surendranagar ACB police station. Deputy Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate Chandrasinh Bhupatsinh Mori (Class-3), then Collector Rajendrakumar Mahendra Patel (Class-1), clerk Mayur Gohil (Class-3), and the Collector’s personal assistant Jayrajsinh Vala (Class-3) were named accused.
The FIR invoked Sections 12, 13(1)(b), and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, relating to bribery and abuse of official position.
Since the offences cited in the FIR fall under the category of scheduled offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR/43/2025) on the same day and launched a financial investigation to trace alleged proceeds of crime.
Formation of SIT and Ongoing Probe
To intensify the investigation, ACB Director Piyush Patel on Monday ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team, which will function under the supervision of Additional Director Bipin Ahire. The SIT has been tasked with examining allegations of bribery, financial misconduct, and accumulation of disproportionate assets by the accused officials.
The team comprises Deputy Director (Administration) Bharti J Pandya, Assistant Director-in-charge (Rajkot) K H Gohil, Assistant Director (Headquarters) R B Desai, Inspector D N Patel from Ahmedabad, Inspector M D Patel from Surendranagar, and Inspector P A Dekavadiya from Morbi.
This marks the first major step taken by the ACB after registering the FIR.
ED Arrests and Administrative Action
Meanwhile, the ED has made significant progress in its investigation. Chandrasinh Mori was arrested earlier and remanded to ED custody for seven days before being sent to judicial custody on January 7. Subsequently, the agency arrested Rajendrakumar Patel and obtained a five-day custodial remand.
Following Patel’s arrest and remand exceeding 48 hours, the Gujarat General Administration Department (GAD) issued an order on January 4, placing the 2015-batch IAS officer under deemed suspension with effect from January 2, in accordance with the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
Prior to his arrest, Patel had been transferred out of Surendranagar on December 24, 2025, with his services placed at the disposal of the GAD. He had assumed charge as the district Collector on February 1, 2025. Before that, he served as Deputy Municipal Commissioner in Surat Municipal Corporation.
Investigations by both the ACB and ED are ongoing, and further developments are expected as authorities continue to examine financial records and administrative decisions linked to the alleged CLU scam.
Also Read: ED Arrests Former Surendranagar Collector Rajendra Patel In Rs. 1,500-Crore NA Land Conversion Scam https://www.vibesofindia.com/ed-arrests-former-surendranagar-collector-rajendra-patel-in-rs-1500-crore-na-land-conversion-scam/
