SJDA to probe into ‘forcible occupation’ of land by Rlys

statesman news service
SILIGURI, 12 JULY: The Siliguri-Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) chairman, Dr Rudranath Bhattacharya, has decided to initiate an inquiry into the alleged ‘forcible occupation’ of land by the Northeast Frontier Railway at Sowdingi under Rajganj police station in Jalpaiguri. The land was later was given to the SJDA for developmental projects. Former SJDA chairman Mr Asok Bhattacharya set up a Tea Park and a Tea Port there.
The matter came to light following a complaint lodged with the Prime Minister's Office by one of the victims, Mr Sunil Banerjee. He alleged that the NFR had forcefully acquired about 750 bighas of recorded public lands.
The PMO had received the complaint on 6 April, 2010. Mr Banerjee had sent a similar letter to the PMO on 2 April this year demanding prompt action.
The Central Vigilance Commission acknowledged that the grievance had been duly examined and the matter had been forwarded to Mr AK Maitra Advisor  [Vigilance] Railway Board for necessary action. The letter was issued on 18 August, 2010.
Mr Banerjee said: “The NFR forcibly occupied 750 bighas of land in total  (700 bighas on 27.10.1960 and 50 bighas of land on 06.11.2000) and consequently many people were rendered homeless. The railway authority announced that the above land was illegally and forcibly occupied by the people and hence by evicting the people the railway authorities re-established their possession."
"I have received a letter from the railway authorities recently where the question of returning the land was tactfully avoided,” he added.
"I met the former SJDA chairman and I have sent an appeal to the new SJDA chairman. I had discussed the matter with Mr Gautam Deb, north Bengal development affairs minister. He told me that he would look into the matter. But nothing has been done yet,” Mr Banerjee added. 
Mr Asok Bhattacharya said: “Mr Banerjee came to me after the Assembly elections results were announced. I could not do anything for him. He was claiming that the NF Railway authority had grabbed their lands forcibly. The documents with him seemed to be valid. I requested him to meet the new SJDA chairman.”
Dr Rudranath Bhattacharya said: “I have decided to visit the Tea Park soon with land records following complaints from several corners. We would inquire into the alleged land scam there in the interest of the common people who have been deprived. We need to examine land records to identify original owners of the land”