Congress Leader Demands High-Level Probe into Rohtak Land Irregularities
In a significant development, former state minister and senior Congress leader Subhash Batra has demanded a comprehensive investigation into an alleged land scam involving approximately 18.5 acres of prime property near IMT Chowk in Rohtak. Batra called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and an inquiry monitored by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to ensure transparency and accountability.
Allegations of Legal and Administrative Lapses
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Batra detailed the history of the land, which was leased in 1986 to Chinar Industrial Finance Corporation for a period of 90 years. He emphasized that, under the terms of the lease, the land cannot be sold or developed unless the lease is formally cancelled. According to Batra, this cancellation has not occurred to date, rendering any subsequent sale or development activities legally questionable.
Batra alleged several irregularities, including:
- The felling of around 500 trees within the walled premises without prior permission, which he termed a legal offence and an administrative lapse.
- The sale of the land, estimated to be worth more than ₹300 crore, for approximately ₹25 crore, with one of the buyers reportedly being the son of a former BJP minister.
- A waiver of government revenue amounting to approximately ₹80 crore that should have accrued to the state exchequer, allegedly granted due to collusion with a senior IAS officer.
Financial Disparities and Development Concerns
Batra further claimed that plots on the land are being sold at rates of about ₹60,000 per square yard. By his calculations, this would place the total value of the land at around ₹540 crore, highlighting a stark disparity with the reported purchase price. He described this as a "major scam" and raised concerns about ongoing colony development activities.
Additional allegations include:
- The installation of boards for a society named "Manji" at the site, despite no government licence being granted for colony development.
- The sale of scrap worth crores of rupees from the location.
- Reports that some plots have already been sold, further complicating the legal status of the land.
Calls for Independent Investigation and Safety Concerns
Reiterating his stance, Batra stated that as long as the 90-year lease from 1986 remains valid and uncancelled, any sale or development is illegal. He announced plans to write to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, seeking an independent investigation into the matter. Batra also expressed hope that the original leaseholders would come forward to present their version before the media soon.
In a concerning revelation, Batra disclosed that he has been receiving threats for raising this issue, a matter he intends to bring to the chief minister's attention in his letter. This underscores the potential risks associated with exposing alleged corruption in high-stakes land deals.
The demand for a CBI probe and judicial monitoring reflects growing concerns over land management and governance in Haryana, with this case potentially having significant political and legal ramifications.
