CHANDIGARH: Ajit Singh Kohar Revenue & Rehabilitation Minister Punjab has ordered an enquiry into an alleged land grabbing case in village Harchandpura of Patiala District.

Disclosing this here Monday a spokesman of the Punjab Government informed that a land measuring 554 Kanals, 19 Marlas had been declared as surplus in village Harchandpura in 1987 but its mutation was sanctioned in 2005 in the favour of the State Government. This land has to be allotted to eligible persons under provision of the Punjab Land Reforms Act, which was not done. On the other hand the land measuring about 34 acres was given on 'Chakota' through auction. However, the land continued to be in unauthorized occupation of certain persons and they continued to cultivate even after the period of 'Chakota' had expired. No auction money was recovered, he added.

The spokesman said that the Revenue Minister has ordered a detailed enquiry in this matter and Deputy Commissioner Patiala has been asked to conduct a thorough enquiry and send a detailed report to the department. Strict disciplinary action has also been ordered to be taken against the erring Tehsildar who allowed the unauthorized occupation of land even after the expiry period of 'Chakota', he added