A retired officer from Army Intelligence has raised a fresh alarm over how land ownership records are being handled in Himachal Pradesh's Una district. Manoj Kumar Kaushal, who lives in the district, told a press conference on Friday that serious irregularities have surfaced in power of attorney and registry cases involving land in the Ghanari and Amb tehsils. He backed his claims with a set of documents presented at the briefing.
What Kaushal Alleged
According to Kaushal, the power of attorney process for land in these tehsils was completed through people brought in from Haryana, even though the actual owners of that land had no idea any such paperwork was being processed in their name. He said the documents were signed, photographs were taken and every formality was completed as if the process were entirely legitimate. Kaushal alleged that none of this could have happened without the connivance of certain revenue department officials and staff, since the real owners were never informed at any stage.
How The Matter Surfaced In Haryana
Kaushal said that when complaints related to the Haryana residents who had come to get the power of attorney made were examined back in Haryana, an investigation was opened there. It was during that probe that officials found the actual owners of the land for which the power of attorney documents were prepared had no knowledge whatsoever of the entire episode. He added that if the Haryana investigation widens and a fair inquiry is conducted, the role of the Himachal Pradesh officials and employees involved could also come to light.
Government And Department Under Fire
At the briefing, Kaushal alleged that despite such complaints, neither the state government is treating the issue with seriousness nor is the concerned department taking any effective action. He said negligence or collusion of this kind in cases involving ordinary people's land and property cannot be tolerated.
Written Complaint Submitted To Una's Deputy Commissioner
Manoj Kumar Kaushal said he met Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal and handed over a written complaint on the matter, demanding a high level investigation. He said that if the case is probed properly, anyone found responsible for wrongdoing at any level should face action. Kaushal said a close examination of revenue records, power of attorney documents and related files would bring out the truth of the entire matter. He added that any irregularity in cases concerning the property of ordinary citizens is an extremely serious matter, and any official or employee found guilty in the investigation should face strict action.
