Government goes for Rajmata Gayatri Devi's properties

JAIPUR: Barely a week after Rajmata Gayatri Devi���s death, the Rajasthan government has made a go for the physical possession of the properties it had ���judicially acquired��� from the ex-royals over one-and-half decade ago. Acting upon the reported alterations made in the Rambagh and Lily Pool properties after the death of the Rajmata , the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) on Thursday carried out a physical verification against any encroachment in the disputed areas.

���We maintain our claim over 322 bighas adjoining Rambagh complex. Our team visited Khasra number 116 and 118 and no changes were seen in the acquired area,������ said JDA commissioner Sudhanshu Pant. Initially, the JDA officials faced resistance from the ex-royals ��� staff who initially refused them entry.

JDA claims that they had acquired 322 bighas in the Rambagh complex after paying compensation to the royal family . But they could take possession of only 283 bighas.

The value of the property is estimated to be over Rs 6,500 crore. The JDA stakes its claim over land of the Laxmi Vilas Hotel, Bungalow No 36, a stud farm, a polo ground, a golf course and other small properties in the vicinity. JDA also claims to have acquired 17 bighas on the Lily Pool premises . All these properties are part of the Rambagh complex.

Gayatri Devi had a court stay against the acquisition of any portion of Lily Pool land. Interestingly, date of hearing in the Gayatri Devi case was on July 30, a day after she passed away. Her counsel took another date citing death of his client.