The Crime Branch (CB) on Tuesday formally began investigation into the multi-crore land scam at Ghangapatna village on the Bhubaneswar outskirts by registering a case.
The CB set up a Special Investigating Team (SIT), which visited the spot and collected preliminary information regarding the fraud, CB ADG BK Sharma said.
The Crime Branch has been asked by the Government to probe the encroachment of 76 acres of land at Ghangapatna and submit its report within two months. A number of ruling BJD leaders and Government officers are allegedly involved in the encroachment of land at Ghangapatna.
Earlier, the Khordha district Collector in his report had stated that 76 acres of land were under encroachment. The Bhubaneswar Tehsildar, Additional Tehsildar, Revenue Inspector and Sub-Registrar were put on suspension for their alleged role in the registration of the lands.
The Forest and Environment Department has already filed an FIR against the concerned organisations and individuals allegedly involved in the illegal construction of road on the forestland near the village. The road construction violated the Section-2 of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, an official said.