Ahmedabad: In a development that has sent shockwaves through Gujarat’s administrative circles, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Rajendra Patel, the then-Collector of Surendranagar, in connection with a massive land scam estimated at approximately ₹1,500 crore.
Three separate ED teams conducted an extensive interrogation at Patel’s Gandhinagar residence before taking him into custody. The questioning session lasted nearly three hours. The former collector will now be produced before a special court where the agency is expected to seek his remand for further investigation.
The Land Conversion Racket
The scandal revolves around large-scale irregularities in converting agricultural land to Non-Agricultural (NA) status in Surendranagar district. Allegations of crores of rupees changing hands in corrupt dealings have emerged during the probe. Given the gravity of the case, the ED had conducted raids at the Surendranagar Collector’s office and residences of other senior officials on December 23, 2025.
Investigations have revealed that positions of power were allegedly misused to facilitate land conversions worth crores, with substantial illegal transactions taking place. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Surendranagar had earlier registered a case under anti-corruption provisions in this matter.
ED Teams Descend on Gandhinagar Residence
Early this morning, three separate ED teams arrived at Rajendra Patel’s Gandhinagar residence. According to sources, during hours of intensive questioning, the officer failed to provide satisfactory answers, leading to his formal arrest.
Other Officials Under Scanner
The dragnet has extended beyond just the collector. Other employees implicated in the scam are also facing heat. Cases have already been registered against Chandrasinh Mori (Deputy Mamlatdar), Mayur Gohil (Collector’s Office Clerk), and Jayrajsinh Jhala (Personal Assistant to the Collector). Following Patel’s arrest, attention is now focused on which other high-profile names might surface in this sprawling corruption case.
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Government Had Already Transferred Him
As the stench of the scam became apparent and investigations commenced, the state government had immediately transferred Rajendra Patel from Surendranagar. However, the ED continued its investigation into money laundering and corruption aspects, which has now culminated in today’s arrest.
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