Delhi LG sanctions enquiry against officials of Revenue Department, under Section 17A of POC Act, 1988

New Delhi [India], December 5 : Sticking to his avowed stance of zero tolerance against corruption, Delhi LG VK Saxena, approved investigation by Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) against three officials of Revenue Department, GNCTD, under Section 17A of POC Act, 1988, a press release said on Thursday.
He has also directed the Vigilance Department to submit the case of the then Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Hauz Khas, South District, who was involved in the matter, within a week.

According to the release, the approval for investigation has been accorded against DC Sahoo, ex-Sub-Registrar, Ramesh Kumar, ex-Kanungo, and Anil Kumar, ex-Tehsildar, all previously associated with the Hauz Khas, South District, Revenue Department, Government of NCT of Delhi.

The matter pertains to the alleged sale of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) land to private individuals by issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Land bearing Khasra No. 351 was acquired by the DDA in 1965. In 2019, Bala Devi filed an application with the SDM, Hauz Khas, seeking demarcation of Khasra No. 351. After demarcation by Revenue officials out of total area of 44 Bigha and 19 Biswa, a piece of land measuring 1 Bigha and 5 Biswa was demarcated as private land.

However, during a court case in the matter, DDA took a contrary stance and informed that there was illegal construction on DDA's land, which has been demolished and the Authority had taken possession of the land. Despite revenue records clearly indicating that the land belonged to the Government (DDA), officials from the South District, Revenue Department issued an NOC to Bala Devi. Subsequently, the then Sub-Registrar, DC Sahoo, went on to register the sale deed of the acquired land. This alleged act of cheating and fraud has resulted in wrongful revenue loss to the government, the release said.

Since, there was inordinate delay in processing of these cases by the Vigilance Department, officers of the Vigilance Department dealing with cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act have been instructed to strictly adhere to the timelines stipulated in the Act and avoid delays in sensitive matters, it added.

Since assuming office, LG Saxena has taken a strong stance against corruption and has recommended strict action against delinquent officials involved in corruption cases related to various departments of the GNCT of Delhi, including Excise, Revenue, GST, PWD, Hospitals, Education, and others. While prioritizing the welfare of Delhi's citizens, LG Saxena remains committed to eradicating corruption in the city.