Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is investigating a major corruption case involving the illegal purchase, sale, and mutation of forest land in Hazaribagh. The case has already led to the arrest of Vinay Singh and Vijay Singh, while the statement of then Hazaribagh Sadar Circle Officer (CO) Alka Kumari has been recorded in ACB court.
ACB Report Reveals Irregularities
During the investigation, the ACB received a report indicating that Vinay Singh’s Hazaribagh-based Nexgen showroom is built on forest land obtained through illegal means. The land in question falls under Thana No. 252, Khata No. 95, Plot Nos. 1055, 1060, and 848, with a total area of 28 decimals, and Khata No. 73, Plot No. 812, covering 72 decimals. This land is situated in Babhane Mauja, Halka 11 of Sadar Circle and is classified as gairmazarua (government-owned) forest land.
The current CO of Sadar Circle confirmed in a June 18 report to the ACB that Vinay Singh and his wife Snigdha Singh have encroached upon this land, where the Nexgen showroom is currently operational.
Violation of Forest Land Regulations
As per legal norms, forest land can only be used for forestry purposes. However, Vinay Singh allegedly bypassed all regulations to construct a commercial showroom on the site. A copy of the investigation report has also been sent to the Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner. The district administration is now likely to initiate the process of cancelling the land mutation currently held in the names of Vinay Singh and his wife.
