Members of Dr. Ambedkar Harijan Welfare Association on Friday alleged foul play in the distribution of pattas during the MGR centenary celebrations held her recently.

The association members, who submitted a petition to District Collector T.N. Hariharan, said 55 people who received pattas for land at Gandhi Nagar in Telungupalayam during the MGR centenary celebrations, were not the actual benefactors. They urged him to cancel the pattas and distribute it to the real beneficiaries.

“We have been fighting for free pattas for people in Gandhi Nagar since 1977. In fact, 35 persons had even paid one-third of the cost of three cent and to the State treasury,” said J. Durairaj, Secretary of the Association said.

“In 2000, the then District Collector ordered distribution of free pattas to 40 persons out of the 95 identified beneficiaries. The Collector had also ordered distribution of pattas to 44 others through ‘land krayam’ and 11 through Taluk Officer. But, 55 pattas have been given to people from other caste and to relatives of Government employees,” he alleged.

When contacted, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer Senthivel said action would be initiated if the allegations were found to be true.