Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudrapur, 7 May: A major controversy was witnessed in Rudrapur’s Kheda area after administrative officials, acting on information regarding alleged encroachment on government land near Chand Masjid, discovered a grave-like structure inside a house built on the disputed land. The development triggered intense discussions in the locality and prompted the administration to initiate a detailed investigation into the land records and alleged illegal occupation.
Mayor Vikas Sharma, accompanied by ADM Pankaj Upadhyay, the Municipal Commissioner and other senior administrative officials, reached the spot following complaints regarding encroachment on government land in the area. During the inspection, the officials were reportedly surprised to find that a structure resembling a mazaar had allegedly been created inside the house.
As per the reports emerging from the spot, a man identified as Abbas had allegedly buried his deceased father inside the house constructed on the disputed land and subsequently, he gave the site the appearance of a mazaar. It is also being alleged that an attempt had been made to cover the structure with plastic sheets and other material so that it appeared old and well established.
The administrative team inspected the site and began scrutinising land-related documents and ownership records connected to the property. The officials said that legal proceedings regarding alleged illegal encroachment and unauthorised construction have also been initiated.
Mayor Vikas Sharma described the matter as extremely serious and stated that the state government would not tolerate any form of illegal encroachment on government land in Uttarakhand. Referring to the state government’s ongoing anti-encroachment campaign, Sharma said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has consistently directed strict action in such matters and that several acres of government land has already been freed from encroachment in different parts of the state.
He further stated that till a few days ago the land was reportedly vacant, but now a mazaar-like structure has been erected at the site, making the matter sensitive and serious from the administration’s perspective.
The Mayor said that, if a death had occurred in the family, the burial ought to have taken place in a designated graveyard instead of on disputed government land. He instructed officials to take immediate legal action in the matter after completing verification of records.
As news of the incident spread, a large number of the local residents gathered in the area, leading to widespread discussion and commotion throughout the locality. The administration has intensified the investigation and is examining all aspects related to the ownership and status of the land.
ADM Pankaj Upadhyay said that a notice is being issued to the accused individual and further action would be taken in accordance with the law after completion of the inquiry.
