Allahabad HC Stays Criminal Case Against Irfan Solanki

The Allahabad High Court has granted significant relief to former Kanpur Sisamau MLA Irfan Solanki. All criminal proceedings against him were stayed in a case related to land grabbing and extortion.

The court has also sought a response from the state government. Justice Sameer Jain, heading a single-judge bench, passed the order.

The case dates back to December 25, 2022, when Vimal Kumar, a resident of Durga Vihar Colony in the Jajmau police station area of Kanpur, filed an FIR against Solanki.

Authorities also named builder Haji Wasi, Shahid Lari and Qamar Alam alongside Solanki.

The complainant alleged that the accused engaged in assault, extortion, intimidation and damage to public property.

Vimal Kumar claimed that a plot of land in Jajmau, identified as Arzi No 963 and measuring 1,000 square metres, was forcibly occupied. He alleged that the encroachment was carried out by Solanki, Haji Wasi, Qamar Alam, and Shahid Lari.

Following the District Magistrate’s order, a revenue officer conducted an investigation, and the police recommended action to free the land from illegal occupation.

The investigation revealed that the accused allegedly sold KDA (Kanpur Development Authority) land using a High Court order that mentioned only plot numbers 247 and 48. The order made no reference to Arzi No 48.

Authorities also said they colluded with KDA officials to obtain an RTI reply falsely stating that KDA had lost a case. No details of the relevant land dispute were officially available from the authority.

Solanki’s counsel and Upendra Upadhyay argued that the land claimed by the complainant did not belong to him. He stated that a civil suit over the property is still pending with the original owners.

According to the lawyer, the FIRs against Solanki filed due to political rivalry and were baseless.

After considering the arguments, the court decided to stay all criminal proceedings against Irfan Solanki. This decision provides him with temporary relief while the matter remains under further examination.

Also Read: CJI Bhushan Gavai Inaugurates New Court Building In Mandangad; Honouring Dr Ambedkar’s Legacy