Bhavnagar: In a first for Bhavnagar city and the entire Saurashtra region, a case of alleged violation of the Disturbed Areas Act (Ashant Dhara) has come to light, in which a house in the Crescent area of the city was reportedly sold for ₹93 lakh without obtaining prior administrative approval.

According to a complaint filed by City Mamlatdar K.B. Chandlia, Allarkhabhai Kadarbhai Gigani is currently residing with his family at Plot No. 567-A in the Crescent area of Bhavnagar. He had purchased the house from Darshrajsinh Dharmendrasinh Gohil on August 26, 2025, through a sale agreement, and a preliminary sale deed (Satakhat) was also executed. However, as the Disturbed Areas Act is in force in this locality, the final registered sale deed could not be executed. Despite this, possession of the house was handed over to Allarkhabhai after payment of the full amount of ₹93 lakh.

During the investigation, scrutiny of documents submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office revealed that the mandatory prior permission for the transaction had not been obtained. The property, falling under Ward No. 5, Sheet No. 135, City Survey No. 4463 in the Crescent area, was sold even though the Disturbed Areas Act was applicable. Darshrajsinh Gohil had applied for permission on September 11, 2025, but after inquiry and hearing of the parties, the application was rejected on February 17, 2026. Despite the rejection, the property was sold and possession was transferred, resulting in violation of Sections 4 and 5 of the Disturbed Areas Act.

Following the complaint, Ghogha Road Police registered a case against Darshrajsinh Gohil, Allarkhabhai Gigani, and other persons involved, and further investigation has been initiated.

City DYSP R.R. Singhal said, “A complaint has been registered for violation of the Ashant Dhara after it was found that the property was sold without prior government permission even though the Act is applicable in the area. During the investigation, it was revealed that the house was sold for ₹93 lakh and possession was given to the buyer.” He added, “This is the first case of violation of the Ashant Dhara in Bhavnagar and the second such case in Gujarat so far.”

Police said both the seller Darshrajsinh Gohil and buyer Allarkhabhai Gigani have been taken into custody for questioning. Officials added that the money trail of ₹93 lakh will also be examined, including bank transactions, as part of the ongoing investigation. DeshGujarat