Gives sham demarcation report of Khasra No. 393 Instead of effected Khasra No. 363, 366
Ajay Sharma
Sunderbani, Jan 27: In an alleged attempt to cover up corrupt practices, officials of the Revenue Department, particularly the Patwari, have reportedly submitted a sham demarcation report for Khasra No. 393 instead of the ‘controversial’ Khasra Nos. 363 and 366 in Nala Panchayat of Sunderbani Tehsil.
According to sources, Range Officer Anil Dev Singh sought for revenue record to subside the controversy over cutting of forest for paving way for constructing a road. The Tehsildar subsequently instructed the local Patwari to conduct the demarcation and submit a report. However, discrepancies have emerged in the process.
“The Patwari, who recently assumed charge in Sunderbani, has submitted inconsistent reports regarding the land in question,” sources said, adding, “Instead of focusing on the specified Khasra numbers—363 and 366, which lie on the forest boundary—he reported on Khasra No. 393.”
This plot, identified as barren and unsuitable, appears to have no direct relevance to the ongoing road construction.
Sources claimed that such discrepancies hint at deliberate attempts to mislead the internal enquiry.
“The demarcation should have been conducted along the forest boundary where boundary pillars exist,” sources stated, adding, “Instead, the Patwari’s report diverted attention to an unrelated piece of land.”
If sources are to be believed, this is not the first instance of controversy within the Sunderbani revenue department.
“Earlier as well, there were complaints of unauthorized land conversions and destruction of forest land under the guise of development,” said sources, adding that an FIR has already been filed against certain officials in Jammu’s Crime Branch, implicating them in similar cases.
Meanwhile, locals have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. They have urged the Deputy Commissioner and higher authorities, including the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), to probe the conduct of the revenue and forest officials involved.
“With the administration of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, locals hope such irregularities will be addressed swiftly,” they said, adding, “Corruption cannot be allowed to tarnish the department’s reputation. Immediate action is needed to uncover the truth behind this mismanagement.”
