In a serious breach of administrative security, the district magistrate of Nainital has ordered a swift inquiry after two private individuals were discovered inside a room containing sensitive land revenue records at a government court in Haldwani. The incident, which came to light during a surprise inspection on Monday, has raised major concerns about the integrity of judicial land records and potential links to fraudulent activities in the region.
Surprise Inspection Uncovers Major Security Lapse
During an unannounced visit to the tehsildar/naib tehsildar court in Haldwani, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal found two private persons inside a room designated for storing land revenue documents. Shockingly, the duo was actively handling judicial land revenue matters, a task strictly reserved for authorised government officials. They were accessing and purportedly working on sensitive records without any legitimate permission.
Rayal immediately recognised the gravity of the situation. He pointed out that the presence of such "private agents" within secure government premises could be a significant factor behind the rising number of cases involving forged certificates and fraudulent land documentation reported across the district. The DM suggested that unauthorised outsiders often play a critical role in facilitating administrative corruption.
DM Terms Incident a Serious Breach, Launches Probe
Describing the event as a severe lapse in both judicial and administrative functioning, the DM highlighted it as a clear breach of government record security and an indication of external interference in court operations. Lalit Mohan Rayal did not delay action and directed the Nainital Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) to conduct a detailed and impartial investigation into the matter.
The inquiry has been given a strict deadline of three weeks to submit a comprehensive report. The DM's directives for the probe are extensive and include examining several critical aspects:
- The identity and background of the two individuals found inside the record room.
- The method by which they gained access to the court premises and the sensitive records.
- The specific land revenue files or cases they were handling or accessing.
- Who, if anyone, authorised their presence, and whether any court officials facilitated this security lapse.
Wide-Ranging Inquiry to Assess Accountability and Loss
The scope of the investigation will go beyond just the immediate incident. Officials have been instructed to also assess staff absence during the period and fix accountability. The probe will look into possible financial losses or undue gains resulting from this unauthorised access.
A key focus will be on evaluating violations of record confidentiality protocols. The inquiry will determine the need for disciplinary action, departmental proceedings, or even criminal charges based on the findings. The DM has ordered that all relevant records be immediately secured and statements from concerned personnel be recorded promptly.
Furthermore, the report must clearly mention any prima facie evidence of criminal activity. This decisive action aims to not only address this specific incident but also to strengthen systems and deter future attempts to compromise the security of vital land and revenue documents in Nainital district.
