Kharibari, 19th August: Kharibari Police arrested the president of the Mechi Market Traders’ Welfare Association over allegations of illegally occupying and selling government land near the India-Nepal border.
According to information, the Mechi Market Traders’ Welfare Association had taken 7.92 acres of land on lease from the state government in 2020. However, allegations have emerged that around 3.61 acres of government land outside the leased area were illegally occupied and sold.
On August 8, Phansidewa BJP MLA Durga Murmu lodged a complaint alleging that government land had been illegally occupied and sold to several people using forged documents, allegedly generating crores of rupees.
Based on the complaint, Kharibari Police launched an investigation and arrested Handru Oraon, president of the Mechi Market Traders’ Welfare Association. He is also known locally as a former Pradhan and Trinamool Congress leader.
According to police sources, several other leaders may also be linked to the case. Police are investigating the alleged illegal land dealings and the involvement of other individuals.
The arrested accused was produced before the Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court on Wednesday. Police are expected to seek his remand to investigate the alleged land occupation and sale and identify others who may be involved.