Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: The settlement of 1.90 acres of land in Kuldiha, Potka, registered under Parvati Murmu, is set to be cancelled following revelations of misuse. The land, originally settled for agricultural purposes, has been illegally transformed into a market complex, generating income through rentals to 26 shopkeepers.
The case came to light after a report by a leading newspaper, prompting East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ananya Mittal to assign Dhalbhum Deputy Collector of Land Reforms (DCLR) Gautam Kumar to investigate. The inquiry confirmed the violations, revealing that Parvati Murmu constructed the complex in contravention of settlement terms.
DC Mittal expressed concern over the negligence of Potka Circle Officer (CO) Nikita Bala, who failed to act despite being present during earlier investigations by former ADC Jaideep Tigga. “The CO is the custodian of government land. If timely action had been taken 15 months ago, further encroachments could have been prevented, and the settlement land could have been reclaimed,” Mittal stated.
The CO has been issued a show-cause notice for her inaction and is required to respond. Additionally, on December 6, 2024, notices were sent to 45 encroachers, including those operating shops on the settlement land.
In light of the findings, DC Mittal ordered the Potka CO to submit a proposal to cancel the settlement certificate. “Once the proposal is submitted, the administration will take steps to reclaim the land,” Mittal added.
The investigation also highlighted lapses by Potka’s Revenue Sub-Inspector (RSI) and Circle Inspector (CI), who failed to conduct site inspections and allowed mutation based solely on a sale deed.
The district-level team continues to probe encroachments and misuse of government and settlement land in Kuldiha. The DC emphasized accountability, ensuring that negligence in land management will not go unpunished.
