The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has sought assistance from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) assessment department to reclaim a 23-cottah plot in New Alipore, after filing a police complaint alleging encroachment by Suruchi Sangha. The land's current market value is estimated at Rs 27 crore to Rs 30 crore.
KMC Mutation Process Initiated
According to a KMC source, LIC officials have contacted the civic body's assessment wing, requesting steps to initiate a mutation process. This legal stamp from the civic body would facilitate a hassle-free reclamation of the prime property. A civic official stated, "It is just an initial step. Once LIC submits relevant documents for mutation, we will scrutinize them and proceed accordingly."
Police Complaint and Site Visit
Senior LIC officials visited the site on Saturday and sought police intervention to regain the land. This move comes amid mounting troubles for the influential club following the recent arrest of Swarup Biswas and an FIR against his minister brother Aroop.
Pankaj Kumar Basu, a senior LIC officer, said, "This land belongs to LIC. We have repeatedly raised the issue and approached various administrative levels over the years, but no action was taken. Following recent developments, we have finally accessed the property and lodged a formal complaint." He added, "We have noticed a permanent structure on the land. We will approach KMC to ascertain how construction was permitted on our property without our knowledge."
History of the Land Dispute
The land dispute dates back to 2008 when, according to a 2010 Times of India report, LIC officials alleged that Suruchi Sangha took possession of the plot even before the Trinamool Congress came to power in Bengal. At that time, Aroop had already emerged as a significant political figure after winning the Tollygunge assembly seat on a Trinamool ticket in 2006. The earlier report highlighted LIC's objections to the club holding its annual Durga Puja on the property without formal permission.
The ongoing legal and administrative efforts by LIC aim to reclaim the land, which has been a point of contention for over a decade. The involvement of KMC's assessment wing marks a crucial step in resolving the dispute.
