PIL seeks justice for Surat tribals against land mafia

A PIL moved by voluntary organisation Lok Adhikar Sangh,has sought protection for tribals living in and around Surat city against the land mafia,while alleging that the latter have been usurping land from the tribals by illegal means. The petitioner has produced 12 cases in which tribal lands,both agricultural and non-agricultural,had been usurped by land mafia by illegal means. It has also been contended that the district revenue authorities have not acted on repeated complaints in this regard. The PIL has demanded registration of criminal cases against the land mafia,financial penalty to them and protection to tribals against such elements. It has sought formation of a special team to check such incidents. The court has issued notices to Surat Collector,Surat Police Commissioner and the Gujarat government and posted the matter for further hearing after four weeks.