From correspondents in Andhra Pradesh, India, 11:33 PM IST

The Andhra Pradesh government Tuesday took back 400 acres of land allotted to the Indian arm of an international sports management company following allegations of corruption in the deal.

Following the promulgation of the Andhra Pradesh Government Property (Preservation, Protection and Resumption) Ordinance by Governor Rameshwar Thakur Monday night, officials visited the 400-acre plot allotted to IMG Bharata at Kancha Gachchi Bowli on the city's outskirts and took possession of the land.

The officials put up a signboard stating that 'this land belongs to the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Trespassers will be prosecuted.'

In September, the government had cancelled allotment and announced an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the deal.

IMG Bharata, a subsidiary of the US-based International Management Group (IMG), which specialises in sports-related activities and runs sports academies across the world, was given possession of the land in February 2004 for developing sports academies on the lines of the existing IMG academy in Florida.

The land was allotted by the then Telugu Desam Party government when N. Chandrababu Naidu was the caretaker chief minister.

The land was sold at a nominal rate of Rs.50,000 per acre and it was registered at government cost in the name of the company.

Chandrababu Naidu even laid the foundation stone for the Rs.7 billion IMG Bharata Academy near GMC Balayogi Stadium.

Naidu had also announced allotment of another 450 acres to develop entertainment infrastructure.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)