DJ Venkatesh
Port Blair, July 10: In one hand there is a serious shortage of revenue land in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for development works on the other hand lands, which are anyway available, are being encroached by people.
In a shocking incident it has been reported that the Pradhan of R K Gram himself has reportedly engaged men to encroach a large piece of land.
It has been found that a Revenue land having survey no 84 of R K Gram, has been encroached by unknown people for cultivation.
When the Asst Commissioner inquired into this mater, it was found that a group of four people have encroached the land and carrying out cultivation in the name of Pradhan. They reportedly said that they have paid money to Pradhan, Shyamak Bhowmik for this cultivation works.
Highly places sources told Andaman Sheekha that when the Pradhan found that the matter is in investigation he returned the money to three farmers but the 4th farmer refused to accept the money.
Each farmer spent more than Rs.40,000/- on that land and planted ginger, vegetables etc. Sources also said that the Pradhan had invited applications from the farmers for the said land to cultivate, for which he has no official powers.
Sources said that the concerned Patwari has already submitted a report against the Pradhan and the Deputy Commissioner has asked for a report from both parties. It has been learnt that the Asst Commissioner is going to issue a vacate order soon in this case.
This matter has already triggered a ripple in Diglipur region and people are eager to know the complete truth in this incident. After all this is a serious allegation that elected PRI members are now involving in illegal land grabbing for financial benefits.
However, this will be interesting to watch what action the District Administration takes to find out the actual role of the said pradhan and what action will be taken if he is found guilty. After-all the Pradhan is from the ruling party.
