SVC pulls up Jammu DC over land grabbing case

The State Vigilance Commission today pulled up Jammu Deputy Commissioner for failing to demarcate land allegedly grabbed by a BJP minister and ordered the officer to furnish a report clarifying the status of the land.
"The Commission while taking adverse note of the matter has ordered Deputy Commissioner of Jammu Simrandeep Singh to furnish the report clarifying the factual status of the land viz. Whether the land (allegedly encroached by the minister) in question is a state land or a private property", an SVC spokesman said.
The State Vigilance Organization was asked to furnish status report of the inquiry at the earliest, he said, adding, the Commission also ordered for personal appearance of SSP Vigilance Organization on the next date of hearing.

A senior officer of SVO during a review meeting held at SVC assured the Commission that the investigation of cases of public importance was being done on fast-track basis and would be concluded in the shortest possible time, spokesman said.
A complaint was lodged with the SVO by one Ankur Sharma accusing state Transport Minister A G Kohli of allegedly encroaching and grabbing land bearing Khasra No. 356 situated at Sunjwan village and also of allegedly raising some structures, he said.
The case has also been filed in the court of law by the complainant seeking a probe by Vigilance.

The SSP Vigilance stated at the Bar that reports had been requested from various authorities and agencies during inquiry but the received reports depict variations and conflicting views regarding the land, he said.
The officer further stated that many requests had been made to the deputy commissioner to get a joint demarcation of the land along with officers of Vigilance but till date nothing has been done resulting in a delay in investigation, he said.