The Akhil Bharatiya Gondwana Yuba Gond Mahasabha and the Integrated Tribal Samaj submitted two separate memorandums to the Jharsuguda district Collector Bibhuti Bhusan Patnaik demanding a Crime Branch (CB) probe into acquisition of tribal land by forging documents and stringent action against those involved.
Calling on the Collector, the organisation alleged that some people identifying themselves as tribals by virtue of forged documents have acquired land. Moreover, they have not paid to the land owner the value of the land and have adopted dilly dallying tactics.
Demanding that the matter be investigated by the Crime Branch and the land be returned to the original owners, they cited the instance of acquisition of 30 decimal of land in Beherapat Mouza by one Dhirendra Kumar Jena and his associates by identifying themselves as Kondh tribals. They demanded that such illegal transfer of land be banned through amendments in Odisha land Reforms Act 1960.
After giving them a patient hearing, the Collector assured them of suitable action against those who have forged documents and acquired land illegally. He also said that he will get the issue properly probed into and the guilty will be brought to book.
Copies of the memorandum have also been sent to the Chief Minister, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, State Tribal Welfare Minister and Chairman of ST Commission Chairman.