Shimla, March 30 The CPI(M) on Monday demanded an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into alleged land mafia activities, including dealings involving shell companies, in Himachal Pradesh.
Referring to the Chester Hills case in the Solan district, the Left party leaders alleged that a nexus between the real estate mafia and senior bureaucrats led to violations of laws and illegal land grabbing in the state.
Alleging a violation of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act in the Chester Hill project in Solan, former mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Sanjay Chauhan, claimed that a fair investigation is impossible unless the Chief Secretary is removed from his position.
Section 118 restricts the purchase of land by non-Himachalis without prior permission.
Former CPI(M) MLA, Rakesh Singha, claimed that investigations by the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) into the Chester Hills matter in Solan had revealed several irregularities during the land acquisition and shell company transactions.
Senior CPI(M) leader, Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, said that the party will "not hesitate to gherao the Secretariat if the government fails to act".
The mafia encroached on common land, blocked access routes, filled drains with debris, dug borewells, affecting farmers as well as residents, the leaders said.