Jammu, 03 January (H.S.): Former Ministers R S Chib and Gharu Ram Choudhary, along with DDC Suchetgarh Taranjit Singh Tony today met Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and apprised him of what they termed serious misdeeds, bungling and an “atmosphere of fear” prevailing in Suchetgarh and R S Pura during the tenure of the present SDM.

The leaders raised the issue of alleged illegal allotment of land attached to the revered Peer Baba Badyal Kazian shrine to certain land grabbers, claiming that influential individuals were operating behind the scenes. They informed the Divisional Commissioner that the land in question has been cultivated and managed for nearly 70 years by the Katha Ram (SC) family, and others, who have traditionally been associated with the land.

They alleged that the land, which holds deep religious significance, is being snatched through manipulation of Revenue and Waqf records, undermining the rights of third-generation cultivators. According to them, with the land acquiring prime commercial value, attempts were allegedly made to transfer it to favoured individuals by forging or manipulating official records, while keeping the Waqf Board in the dark.

The leaders also conveyed that the affected family has strongly rejected the inquiry committee constituted by the SDM two days ago, stating that since the SDM herself and her team are allegedly involved in the land grabbing, such an inquiry lacks credibility.

They further informed that during a recent protest led by senior political leaders and villagers, serious allegations were raised that the land was allotted to Sourab Chib, son of Narinder Chib, a Panchayat Secretary attached to the SDM office. It was alleged that Narinder Chib has been associated with the SDM office since her earlier posting as BDO RS Pura, terming the matter an “open secret” and demanding scrutiny of the entire allotment process.

The leaders also highlighted the recent demolition of the house of an elderly widow, Sudesh Kumari, at Chakroi, alleging that the action was taken despite the matter being sub judice. They termed the demolition an act of administrative high-handedness.

The delegation narrated several other alleged instances of administrative misconduct in Suchetgarh and R S Pura, stating that such actions have eroded public confidence in the administration.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar