Salman Khan has landed in legal trouble once again. This time, it’s his Panvel farmhouse which has come under scrutiny by Maharashtra’s forest department. Wajapur’s forest officer, SS Kapse has served a show-cause notice to the family over alleged constructions on his farmhouse.
Part of a designated eco-senstitive zone declared in 2003, Arpita Farms - owned by Salman and his family - has 11 constructions owned by six members of the Khan family, according to the 9 June 2018 notice issued by Kapse. Of these, only two structures were made prior to 2003.
According to a report in India Today, the report in Marathi reads, "As per an earlier notice dated November 21, 2017, an offence was registered for violating the Forest Act for cement/concrete construction on your Arpita farms".
"After this office checked the documents, it appears that you have done such illegal constructions repeatedly. It is seen that these offences have taken place at Arpita farms," it adds.
According to the report, the notice has been sent in the name of Salim Khan, Salman Khans father. But according to the letter, ownership rights of the property rest with Salman Khan, his sisters Alvira and Arpita, brothers Arbaaz and Sohail and mother Helen.
"During investigation, the names of all these family members are becoming apparent. Therefore, why your family collectively not be reckoned to have participated in the offence?" the forest department asked in the notice.
"Within seven days of the receipt of this letter, what you have to say in the matter be tendered to the undersigned. If you do not give any explanation in the matter within the said time, then it would be presumed, that you have got nothing to say in the matter and legal action shall be taken against your family, which you may note," the notice warned.
But according to the India Today report, within 11 days of issuing the notice, officer Kapse was shifted out of his jurisdiction at Wajapur.
Kapse told India Today that he was on leave and would challenge his transfer. “I am challenging the transfer. Will not comment further. You can speak to my lawyer,” he said.
Kapse has reportedly already sent his counsel, YP Singh to revoke the transfer. According to India Today, gram panchayat records have also classified constructions on Khan’s farmhouse as illegal.
Responding to the allegation, Salim Khan told India Today, "Right now, it's an allegation. We will speak a the right time. I have nothing more to say."
(Source: India Today)
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