Big B told to prove he is a farmer

PUNE: Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who has acquired 20 acres of agricultural land near Lonavala in Pune district, was recently issued a notice by district authorities, telling him to authenticate his claim of being a farmer.
   
"We began an enquiry following a report in a news magazine about the purchase of agricultural land by Bachchan," a senior official in Maval said, adding that the notice was issued to the actor a fortnight ago.
   
Bachchan purchased 20 acres near the Pavana dam in Maval in 2000, getting it registered in his name on the basis of documents allegedly proclaiming him to be a farmer at Jaunpur near New Delhi.
   
Under the Tenancy and Agricultural Land Act, 1963 only farmers can buy agricultural land in the state.
   
"We have asked for original documents to be presented by November 25. At present, the registration of the land purchase in 2000 has been done on the basis of duplicate copies," the official added.
   
He said that they were waiting for the submission of original documents for verification.