PRAYAGRAJ, July 11 -- A fresh case allegedly exposing the nexus between associates of slain mafia don Atiq Ahmed and government officials has come to light in Prayagraj. Around 22 bighas (54,973.77 square metres) of land belonging to the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) was allegedly registered in the name of one of the mafia's associates nearly a decade ago. The alleged irregularity came to light after district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma ordered an inquiry, which was conducted by chief revenue officer (CRO) Sanjay Pandey. Based on the findings, the land-estimated to be worth Rs.165 crore-was restored to government records and handed back to the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA). Administrative action is likely to be initiated against the officials found responsible for the alleged irregularities. According to official records, a legal dispute titled "Government vs Ataullah (son of Barkat Ali)" over land in the Kasari-Masari area of Sadar Tehsil had been pending since 1976. In 1998, a district court dismissed Ataullah's claim and directed the land be recorded in the name of the government. However, on September 2, 2016, Ataullah allegedly concealed key facts and, in collusion with the then additional district magistrate (ADM), got the land registered in his own name without giving the government an opportunity to present its case. The PDA had already developed a residential colony on the disputed land, where people had started residing. The matter came to light after the authority found that the land had been registered in Ataullah's name. Acting on the directions of PDA vice-chairman Rishiraj, the PDA secretary wrote to the district administration on April 15, 2026, seeking intervention. Following the communication, district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma ordered a detailed inquiry, which ultimately led to the land being restored to government ownership. The DM said negligence in land-related matters would not be tolerated. He asserted that all encroached government land would be reclaimed and strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for illegal occupation or administrative misconduct. "The administration will ensure that government land is protected. Wherever encroachment is found, the land will be freed and action will be taken against those involved," the DM said....