Government Shielding
Violations in Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone
Violations in Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Bollywood megastar Salman Khan’s Arpita Farm in Panvel has come under intense scrutiny for alleged illegal encroachments, wildlife violations, and environmental law breaches. Despite being located within the Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), sources suggest that the BJP-led government has turned a blind eye to serious offenses—raising concerns of political interference and corruption.
• Wildlife Crimes and Suppressed Investigations
Explosive reports indicate that blackbucks, cheetals, and peafowls—protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act—were illegally kept at Arpita Farm between 1998 and 1999. One blackbuck allegedly died under suspicious circumstances, which could be classified as murder under wildlife laws.
While a case was registered against Salman Khan’s father and others, judicial delays have kept the case unresolved for nearly three decades. Sprouts News has learned that the case remains stalled in the Panvel Court, allegedly due to political pressure and judicial manipulation.
• Illegal Encroachments & Mysterious Constructions
Documents reveal that the State and Central Governments fraudulently and illegally cleared only 1.27 hectares/acres of Salman Khan’s Arpita Farm’s forest land by misusing and applying laws under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) in the name, guise, and cover of legalities—as a masking attempt to fool and deceive the public.
Yet, a massive 150 hectares/acres of reserved forest land have reportedly been encroached upon by Salman Khan and his associates, in nexus with and under the blessings of the system and government.
Furthermore, the State and Central Governments granted such fraudulent forest land clearance to Salman Khan and his associates despite knowing that they are habitual offenders, with numerous serious violations and offenses—including wildlife violations—already pending against them.
Sources confirm large-scale unauthorized constructions, including:
– 22 bungalows
– 2 horse stables housing 24 horses
This raises a critical question: Why are 24 horses being kept in an eco-sensitive zone? Could this be an illegal horse-breeding or commercial venture disguised as a farm?
Also Read: Supreme Court Issues Notice in Dharavi Redevelopment Tender Dispute.
• Forest Officer Transferred to Silence Inquiry?
Sprouts News has uncovered that Forest Officer Sunil Kapse, who was actively investigating these violations, was suddenly and unlawfully transferred—a move suspected to be part of a government-backed cover-up.
Further allegations point toward Dnyaneshwar Sapurda Sonawane, a key figure allegedly facilitating illegal activities at Arpita Farm. Shockingly, the Modi-led BJP government is accused of protecting Sonawane instead of taking action.
• Cabinet Ministers Allege Modi and Amit Shah’s Involvement
In a stunning revelation, a cabinet-ranked Forest Minister reportedly informed NRI whistleblower Ketan Kakkad that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had personally instructed BJP leaders to shield Salman Khan.
This raises a disturbing question: Is the central government complicit in suppressing environmental violations to protect a Bollywood superstar?
• A Mockery of Environmental Protection?
The Modi government, which recently received the World Environment Award, is now accused of enabling large-scale environmental destruction in favor of Salman Khan. Sprouts News Exclusive investigations suggest that law enforcement, revenue, and judicial systems are under political pressure, silencing all dissent.
• Whistleblower Ketan Kakkad Targeted?
NRI activist Ketan Kakkad, a U.S. citizen, has allegedly been subjected to land grabbing, harassment, and white-collar terrorism for exposing these violations. Despite filing multiple complaints, authorities continue to ignore his pleas.
• Who Benefits from This Cover-Up?
– Why is the BJP government protecting illegal encroachments?
– Is Salman Khan above the law?
– Who else is involved in shielding these violations?
With mounting evidence, Sprouts News Exclusive demands immediate answers and action against this shocking abuse of power.
How bout raising the issue of most of our forests destroyed for developing new railway lines, national highways, residential complexes, and even farmlands ( as in Kerala where wildlife is even killed in human wildlife encounters)?
It’s very easy to publicize specially about Mr. Salman Khan and other famous names but to think that most of our forests are gone for human development. Recently, laws are made to give right to governments to use forest lands for human development.
Pound wise foolish…. Penny wise, very wise.
This report appears too mch biased and focuses more on exposing undue political nexus with the star family. Govt needs to take this seriousl and appoint an indepenent and impartial judicial level enquiry and take the whistle blower to task as a future deterrant, if the allegations are found baseless or unfounded.
However, there are every possibilities that such a kind of farm house must have been created with some support from environment protection body through local forest officials. Without their cooperation and blessings such farm house cannot come into existence.
Hence, an independent judicial level enquiry must be initiated by high court to make matter clearer, within a reasonable time. The enquiry must particularly highlight the causes for such inordinate delay in moving forward this entire matter.
Advising state government and Central government to take back all illigal encroachment land and send him jail.
If bath governments not taken action on Salman Khan, you need to allow other land grabbers too.
How would bjp benefit from covering Salman khan? Still, the neater is serious ans should be investigated whether or not BJp is involved
BJP’s are born corrupt
Great marketing team to publish such news to compete… Waawaaaaa!!!! 😜…. it’s a good head twist for his upcoming movie Sikandar…🎬
Billi ne Raasta KAT diya Sallu ka …abb dekhein KAT is lucky for whom 😜…