Will SDM’s Orders Soar or Stay Grounded? Akhnoor Awaits Action on Illegal Structures

SDM Launches Inquiry into Illegal Structures at Dok Jagir, Akhnoor; Warns of Stern Action Against Officials and Culprits

•  Following the failure to execute directives to halt illegal construction, the SDM of Akhnoor has launched an investigation into the matter, signalling a crackdown on negligence within revenue officials.
•  The SDM emphasizes that any revenue official found complicit will face suspension, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to upholding the law and dismantling the unauthorized structures.
•  Tehsildar Akhnoor forwards a written complaint to the SHO Akhnoor, urging the filing of an FIR against Surinder Singh, the alleged perpetrator behind the illegal shops, demonstrating a proactive stance against land encroachment.
•  Tehsildar Akhnoor issues a stern admonition, asserting that no unlawful activity will be tolerated within his jurisdiction, underscoring his commitment to enforcing the law and cautioning land grabbers of severe punitive measures.
•  The role of the Patwari and Girdawar comes under scrutiny, with suspicions of collusion with the culprit, raising questions about the integrity of local governance and accountability.
•  Despite assurances of stringent action, doubts linger over whether the SDM’s orders will translate into tangible results and will this incident serve as a deterrent for encroachers and land grabbers, or will it merely be another empty rhetoric?

Mohit Mehra

Akhnoor, March 18: In the follow-up to our yesterday’s news story titled, ‘Land Grabbers Defy Authority: Are They More Powerful Than the SDM and Tehsildar?’, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Akhnoor has demanded an explanation from the Tehsildar regarding the failure to execute directives aimed at halting illegal construction activities on Khasra No. 344 at Dok Jagir, Akhnoor.
According to official sources, the Tehsildar Akhnoor has clarified that he promptly forwarded the SDM’s directive to the Naib Tehsildar and the concerned Patwari on the same day. However, the orders were not implemented as expected.
In response to the lapse, the SDM has initiated an inquiry and asserted that any revenue official found complicit would face suspension from service. He further declared that the illegal structures would be dismantled without hesitation.
“This should serve as a clear warning to all those involved in sheltering illegal activities. Whether government official or private individual, strict action will be taken,” declared the SDM.
Meanwhile, in a proactive move, the Tehsildar Akhnoor has lodged a written complaint with the SHO Akhnoor, directing him to file an FIR against Surinder Singh, the individual responsible for erecting the illegal shops on ‘Gair Mumkin Khad’.
In a written complaint in Urdu, Tehsildar Akhnoor vide No. The/Akh/OQ/1442-43 dated 18/03/2024 (with a copy to SDM) has asked SHO Akhnoor to file an FIR against Surinder Singh S/O Gian Singh R/O Dok Jagir, Akhnoor, who has raised illegal shops on ‘Gair Mumkin Khad’ under Khasra No 344.
In his directive, the Tehsildar emphasized that no illegal activity would be tolerated within his jurisdiction. He sternly warned land grabbers of severe punitive measures and reiterated that strict action would also be taken against any officials found complicit.
Interestingly, it has come to light that Surinder Singh had been declared ‘Gair Maroosi’ (illegal occupant) of the land by the Girdawar, despite which he was allowed to proceed with the construction of four shops on ‘Gair Mumkin Khad’, blatantly disregarding directives from the SDM.
The role of the concerned Patwari and Girdawar has raised suspicions of collusion with the culprit, casting a shadow over their integrity.
While the SDM has vowed strict action against revenue officials, the real test lies in the execution of these promises. Will the culprit be apprehended, and the illegal structures dismantled? Will this incident serve as a deterrent for encroachers and land grabbers, or will it merely be another empty rhetoric?
The unfolding developments in Akhnoor underscore broader questions about governance, accountability, and the rule of law in the region, leaving citizens awaiting tangible actions to restore justice and uphold the law.