Fresh twist in Khali land dispute: SDM Poanta now holds all revenue powers
Shimla, Dec 9,
Although the formal written order has not yet surfaced in the public domain, the development has been confirmed by the SDM Poanta Sahib Gunjeet Singh Cheema, signalling that the administration has acted swiftly to ensure neutrality and prevent any further escalation in the sensitive land dispute involving former wrestler Dalip Singh Rana alias The Great Khali.
This administrative shift means that all key revenue decisions—including oversight of demarcation, redistribution processes, and proceedings linked to the disputed land—will now be handled directly by the SDM.
The development comes a day after Tehsildar Rishabh Sharma issued a sharp rebuttal to Khali’s allegations, terming them “a pack of lies.” Khali had claimed he never visited the Tehsil office and accused the revenue staff of bias. Sharma countered these statements by presenting photographs showing the wrestler at the Tehsil office, saying they “completely disprove” Khali’s assertions.
Sharma accused Khali of attempting to mislead the public by circulating incorrect information about the ongoing land dispute.
The Tehsildar further alleged that Khali recently erected fencing and constructed a boundary wall on land number 6 during a holiday—a move he described as a violation of procedure. He also shared photographs purportedly showing Khali brandishing a weapon during a land demarcation exercise, raising concerns about the manner in which he sought to assert possession.
Sharma stressed that the department remains fully willing to assist Khali in any legitimate process. “If he wishes to get his land redistributed, he simply needs to apply as per the established norms. All matters will be addressed lawfully,” he said.
Noteworthy that Great Khali blamed that 16 Bigha land which belonged to his father was wrongfully transferred to an ex-serviceman ignoring the revenue mutation, in clandestine manner for which he had already shown resentment with the district administration Sirmaur. The fresh development to cease the power of Tehsildar Poanta Sahib, took place on the behest of communication passed by the State government to the local administration.
Officials indicated that the decision to shift revenue powers is aimed at maintaining transparency and eliminating any perception of administrative bias. With the SDM now overseeing all revenue proceedings linked to the case, the administration hopes to bring clarity and fairness as the matter continues to unfold.
As both sides stand firm on their positions, the controversy surrounding Khali’s land and the revenue department’s actions is expected to remain in public focus in the coming days.
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