High court directs Punjab vigilance bureau to probe fraudulent sale of defence airstrip in Ferozepur
Chandigarh: Punjab and Haryana high court has ordered the chief director of Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) to probe the fraudulent sale of an airstrip used by the armed forces since 1937 in Punjab's Ferozepur area.
Reprimanding the Ferozepur deputy commissioner (DC) for not taking any action, the HC observed on Wednesday that the least that can be expected of the bureaucracy is not to create unjustified hindrances for soldiers. The airstrip was used by the armed forces in the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971.
"It is rather unfortunate that the Army, tasked with protecting the sovereignty of the nation, was constrained to approach the govt of Punjab to have the matter inquired into. Such reckless behaviour on the part of DC Ferozepur can cause a breach that would endanger the lives of the citizens and greatly compromise national security," Justice Harpreet Singh Brar of the HC ordered.
In its detailed order, Justice Brar asked the chief director of Punjab VB to personally verify the veracity of the allegations and, if required, take necessary action. He was asked to conclude the probe within four weeks.
The HC passed these orders while hearing a petition filed by Nishan Singh seeking directions for an inquiry into the sale of land being used by the armed forces, by CBI or any other independent agency.
The court was informed that a certain piece of land was acquired in the Fattuwala village of Ferozepur by the Union of India in 1937-38. The land was used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as an airstrip and advanced landing ground. However, as per the plea, in connivance with the revenue officials, the land was unlawfully sold in 1997 through five sale deeds, executed after forging the revenue record.
Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the original owner of the land, Madan Mohal Lal, expired in 1991. However, the sale deeds were executed in 1997, and the names of Surjit Kaur, Manjit Kaur, Mukhtiar Singh, Jagir Singh, Dara Singh, Ramesh Kant, and Rakesh Kant were shown as owners in the Jamabandi from 2009-10. However, the Army never transferred the land to them.
In this regard, a detailed letter was sent twice in March and April 2021 by the Ferozepur Cantonment administrative commandant to the Ferozepur commissioner (revenue), requesting him to hold an inquiry as this fraud had compromised the security and defence of the nation.
The high court on Dec 21, 2023, directed the Ferozepur DC to conclude an inquiry within a period of six weeks.
According to the petitioner, as the DC failed to take any action, the Army had to approach the Punjab governor in Feb last year, requesting him to address the Army's concern .
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