The Keonjhar district administration on Friday took the five-acre land encroached by Champua MlA Sanatan Mahakud at Unchabali mouza under Barbil tehsil into its possession after the pending cattle shed was demolished on Thursday.
The administration said Mahakud on his own demolished the air-conditioned shed.
“The demolition has been over. The administration today took possession of the land. A signboard has been placed informing people that this portion of land is a Government property and trespassers will be prosecuted,” said Sub-Collector of Champua Santosh Kumar Mishra.
He had earlier informed that the entire patch of land would be barricaded and a plantation drive would be initiated by the Horticulture Department. It may be noted that acting on court orders, demolition of illegal construction over the five acres of encroached land had begun on April 22 and the boundary wall was completely razed on April 23.
The cattle shed constructed at the premises had, however, been spared until Mahakud could arrange an alternate space to shift his livestock.