The alleged fraudulent sale and registration of 4.40 acres of land in Chandopala mouza under Komna tehsil has taken a serious turn, with two revenue officials now facing suspension.
After Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI) Ramanath Mishra was suspended earlier, the Odisha government has now suspended Komna Tahsildar and ex-officio Sub-Registrar Sarveshwar Jala in connection with the controversy.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of the role of the revenue administration in the alleged land fraud, while an inquiry led by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Subash Chandra Rait is underway.
Land deal triggers investigation
The disputed property is located in Khata No. 49 of Chandopala mouza. Allegations of fraudulent sale and registration of the land came to light and subsequently received media attention, prompting the district administration to initiate an inquiry.
ADM Subash Chandra Rait was entrusted with investigating the matter. As the inquiry progressed, questions were raised over the manner in which officials handled the land transaction and the verification procedures followed during registration.
ARI suspended over verification lapses
The inquiry reportedly found shortcomings in the discharge of duties by ARI Ramanath Mishra.
A key issue was the alleged non-use of an iris device for Aadhaar authentication even though the equipment was available during the disputed land transaction. The lapse was treated as a possible failure to properly perform official duties, following which departmental disciplinary action was recommended.
Mishra was subsequently suspended.
However, the action against the ARI did not bring the matter to an end. Questions continued to be raised about the role and responsibilities of the Komna tehsil administration.
Tahsildar faces suspension
The state government has now taken action against Tahsildar Sarveshwar Jala, who also served as the ex-officio Sub-Registrar.
Jala has been suspended with immediate effect by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. During his suspension, his headquarters will be at the office of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Northern Division) in Sambalpur. He will not be permitted to leave the headquarters without prior approval.
A departmental disciplinary proceeding will also be initiated against him.
Police case adds to scrutiny
The alleged land transaction has also resulted in a written complaint at Komna police station naming six people. Police investigation into the matter is continuing.
The simultaneous police and departmental inquiries have put the role of the tehsil administration under greater scrutiny.
Another significant development was the reported restoration of the disputed land to its actual owner after the allegations surfaced. While this resolved the immediate issue concerning possession of the property, it did not stop the investigation into how the alleged fraudulent transaction took place.
Questions remain over land registration
The case has raised several questions about the procedures followed during the transaction.
How was such a large parcel of land registered? Why was the available iris device allegedly not used for Aadhaar authentication? What was the procedure followed to restore the land to its original owner? And what role did officials at the tehsil administration play in the transaction?
The ongoing inquiry is expected to establish the responsibilities of the officials involved and determine whether any rules or procedures were violated.
Importantly, suspension does not by itself establish that the allegations against either official have been proven. The allegations will have to be examined through departmental proceedings and the ongoing investigations.
With the ADM-led inquiry, the police case at Komna police station and further administrative action underway, attention is now focused on the findings of the investigations and whether additional action will follow.
