Demand action against builder
Scores of farmers and tribals approached the district Collector and SP here over forceful encroachment of their land by a builder.
They fumed that taking advantage of their gullibility the land mafia was grabbing their land. “Since tribal people are innocent and illiterate, they are not getting justice from any source,” alleged Adam Barla, a victim.
It is learnt that Sudhansu Behera, a property dealer, was levelling 30-40 acres of agricultural land in Pardhiapali village just on the outskirts of Sambalpur town by machine when the controversy erupted.
The owners of the land protested the levelling and lodged FIRs with police. later, Mahendra Dharua, Asim Tani, Amran Tani and many others brought the matter to the notice of the SP and the Collector, seeking justice.
They alleged that the property dealer was levelling land without their consent. Since the builder is an influential man, the real owners are unable to get justice, they said.
On hearing them, both the SP and the Collector assured the villagers of an inquiry. Meanwhile, property dealer Behera said he had purchased the land and there was no irregularity.
It may be recalled that a few weeks back, another group of tribal people made similar allegation before the district administration that one outsider purchased land of some innocent people and later didn’t pay the cost of the land.
“land deal has become a crucial matter in this area and the builders are always taking the upper hand due to their influence,” alleged PK Hou, demanding strong action against people deceiving the innocent tribals.