PRAYAGRAJ, July 1 -- Fifty-eight new land mafiosi have been identified across the Prayagraj division during a month-long special campaign aimed at resolving land disputes and removing encroachments from government land. The campaign, conducted from June 1 to June 30, was reviewed at a video conference jointly chaired by divisional commissioner Saumya Agarwal and inspector general of police Ajay Mishra on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by the Prayagraj police commissioner, district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials from the division's four districts. According to officials, of the 58 new land mafiosi identified across the division, 18 are from Prayagraj, 15 from Pratapgarh, 21 from Kaushambi and four from Fatehpur. In the meeting, a review of the ongoing verification drive against illegal encroachments on Nazul land and other government properties was also carried out. Officials said fresh verification of encroachments on ponds and other water bodies is underway. Action is also being taken not only against illegal occupants but also against those involved in the unlawful sale of government land. Agarwal directed officials to ensure fair and factual action by clearly distinguishing between organised land mafiosi and ordinary encroachers. She said the state government is committed to taking strict action against land mafiosi and ensuring that government land recovered from illegal occupation is utilised for public welfare and development projects. She further directed that the entire process, from identification of land mafiosi to eviction, property attachment and legal proceedings, be carried out in a transparent, time-bound and result-oriented manner to ensure effective utilisation of reclaimed land for public purposes. The meeting also reviewed action taken under Section 14 (1) of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. Officials said that as of April 1, 2025, a total of 63 cases were pending before district magistrates across the division. These included 29 cases in Prayagraj, 18 in Pratapgarh, five in Fatehpur and 11 in Kaushambi. During the review period, 27 cases were disposed of, while 40 cases remain pending. Of the pending cases, 22 are in Prayagraj, eight in Pratapgarh and 10 in Kaushambi. Officials further said that 21 cases have been forwarded to Gangsters Act courts after completion of proceedings at the district magistrate level. During the review it was found that work was nearing completion on a consolidated and verified list of land mafiosi by reconciling records maintained by the police and district administration. The updated list is expected to be uploaded to the official portal soon. Directing officials to expedite the process, the divisional commissioner said any technical or administrative issues should be resolved through coordination with the state government so that the work is completed within a fixed timeframe....