Land purchase scam unearthed in Haroli-Una, Vigilance tightens nose
Shimla, Jan 21,
A major land purchase scam has come to light in the Haroli Assembly constituency of Una district, with serious allegations against the Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority and the Revenue Department. The Vigilance Department has registered a case of fraud and forgery after a preliminary inquiry revealed large-scale irregularities in the purchase of land worth Rs 28 crore.
According to official sources, the urban development authority, allegedly in collusion with the Revenue Department, purchased around 600 kanals of land comprising ditches, ravines, and natural drains. The land, which is uneven and unsuitable for construction, was acquired for developing residential flats. However, no development plan has been prepared for the site even years after the purchase.
The Vigilance inquiry revealed that the land was acquired at an inflated price on the basis of the circle rate, causing a substantial loss to the government exchequer while providing undue benefit to the landowner, Jarnail Singh, and other co-owners. Based on these findings, an FIR has been registered against the landowner. Following government approval for a full-scale investigation, action against officials and employees of the urban development authority and the Revenue Department is expected in the coming days.
Records indicate that the land acquisition process was initiated in 2013 during the Congress government’s tenure and concluded during the subsequent BJP government. A complaint received by the Vigilance Department led to a preliminary inquiry, which confirmed the allegations and resulted in formal registration of the case.
Sources said the investigation has widened to include officials, politicians, and other influential persons, with scrutiny extending from Una district to the Shimla Secretariat. Arrests are possible as the probe progresses.
A special investigation team led by DSP Feroz Khan is conducting a detailed probe. Confirming the development, DSP Vigilance Bureau Aditi Singh said all relevant facts have been collected and a comprehensive report will be submitted to the government soon.
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