Lokayukta orders FIR, 5L in 18-yr-old land grab case

Kolkata: Nearly two decades after an alleged land grab in South 24 Parganas, the land of Bharati Halder at Digberia in Mandirbazar is finally set to be restored to her family.The land was allegedly encroached upon by neighbour Debendranath Halder in 2008, following which an illegal structure was constructed on it.Lokayukta Justice Rabindranath Samanta has directed Nabanna to lodge an FIR against former Trinamool pradhan Manashi Halder, Chandpur-Chaitanyapur panchayat upa-pradhan Ajit Naskar, and the alleged encroacher. The order observed that instead of preventing the construction, the panchayat functionaries facilitated it.The Lokayukta also directed Manashi Halder and Ajit Naskar to pay Rs 5 lakh each as compensation to Bharati Halder’s family.

In case of non-payment, the amount will be recovered as arrears of land revenue under the West Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913.Despite approaching the gram panchayat, Mandirbazar PS, the SDO and the SP, Bharati failed to secure relief and eventually moved the Lokayukta. Her husband, Arabinda Halder, alleged misuse of power by local authorities, false criminal cases against the family and sustained harassment.

Bharati died by suicide on Oct 22, 2009.The Lokayukta held that the family suffered financial loss and mental trauma due to encroachment and abuse of power, and noted police action appeared politically influenced. It directed the SDO, Diamond Harbour, to demolish the structure and restore possession, while asking the chief secretary and zilla parishad to report compliance within 45 days.