Actor Manoj Bajpayee's Almora property under scanner

ALMORA: As Uttarakhand govt contemplates enactment of a rigorous law to protect agricultural land from acquisition by “outsiders”, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee has become the second well-known personality — after UP neta Raja Bhaiya’s wife — to have his property in Almora under the scanner.

Almora DM Alok Pandey confirmed that probes are underway into Bajpayee’s acquisition and several similar cases. In recent weeks, Uttarakhand has launched a drive to enforce stricter land-use laws, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.

The state govt is now assessing whether Bajpayee’s acquisition complies with local land regulations. In 2021, the actor had bought approximately 15 nalis (one nali is equal to 2,160 square feet) of land in Kapkot for development of a meditation & yoga centre. However, locals raised concerns, noting that no construction has taken place.