The Odisha government has suspended Komna Tehsildar-cum-Ex-Officio Sub-Registrar Sarbeswar Jala with immediate effect following allegations of irregularities in a land transaction in Nuapada district.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department issued the suspension order on August 25. The action was taken under Rule 12(1)(a) of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962, as disciplinary proceedings are proposed against the officer.
Tehsildar to remain at RDC headquarters
During the suspension period, Jala’s headquarters will be at the office of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Northern Division) in Sambalpur. He will not be allowed to leave the headquarters without prior permission.
As per the rules, he will be entitled to subsistence allowance during the suspension period.
The department has also initiated steps for the next stage of the disciplinary proceedings. The Nuapada Collector has been directed to immediately serve a copy of the suspension order on Jala and send the department an acknowledgement bearing the date of receipt.
The Collector has also been asked to submit the draft articles of charges and relevant documents relating to the evidence against the suspended officer.
₹68 lakh land transaction under scanner
The action follows allegations of irregularities in land transfers in the Komna tehsil area over the past few days.
According to the allegations, a land transaction was carried out using the name of the actual owner but with the photograph of another person. The matter came under further scrutiny after an alleged transaction involving around 4 acres and 40 decimals of land and ₹68 lakh.
As per the allegations, the payment was to be made through three cheques for a total amount of ₹68 lakh. It was also alleged that the cheques did not carry dates and that discussions related to the transaction took place inside the Tehsildar’s chamber.
A case has been registered at Komna police station in connection with the matter, and an investigation is underway.
Suspension does not establish allegations
The suspension of the Tehsildar does not, by itself, establish the allegations against him. The factual position will become clear only after the departmental proceedings and the ongoing investigation are completed.
However, the government’s decision to suspend the senior revenue official has brought renewed attention to the alleged irregularities in land transactions in Komna.
The disciplinary proceedings are expected to examine the allegations, supporting documents and other evidence before determining the responsibility, if any, of the suspended officer.
