Flood-affected Rajouri family seeks SIT probe into Bela Bus Stand, Bela Colony Projects

Alleges irregularities in land ownership, project execution and approvals; calls for independent high-level inquiry

Rajouri: A flood-affected family from Rajouri has demanded an independent High-Level Inquiry or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the construction of the Bela Bus Stand and Bela Colony projects, alleging irregularities in land ownership, project planning, administrative approvals and the utilisation of public funds.

Addressing the media, family members Bhola Ram, Naresh Kumar and their sons alleged that the recently constructed Bela Bus Stand, reportedly built at an estimated cost of ₹8–9 crore, was developed in a flood-prone area without adequate technical and environmental assessment, resulting in extensive damage during the recent floods.

The family claimed that a portion of the bus stand had been constructed on their ancestral (Malkana) land. They alleged that they possess revenue records and other documentary evidence to substantiate their ownership claims.According to them, despite repeatedly raising objections before the authorities, construction work continued. They further alleged that they were subjected to administrative pressure, intimidation and harassment for opposing the project.

The family stated that the dispute has been ongoing since 2019 and that they approached the court in 2021. They alleged that construction activities continued despite the pendency of legal proceedings.They also claimed to have addressed several press conferences in the past, cautioning the public against constructing houses and commercial establishments in the area due to the potential risk of flooding.

The family further alleged that repeated demarcations carried out by the Revenue Department produced varying findings regarding the extent of their land, raising concerns about the transparency and consistency of the demarcation process.Journalist Amit Sharma, who identified himself as a member of the affected family, alleged that he faced harassment, threats and sustained pressure after raising questions regarding the alleged irregularities in the Bela Bus Stand and Bela Colony projects.He claimed that if a journalist could allegedly face such treatment for highlighting issues of public interest, ordinary citizens might be even more vulnerable.

The family contended that the recent floods have exposed serious deficiencies in the planning and execution of the projects. They alleged that dumping of municipal waste along the riverbanks, narrowing of the natural river channel and unplanned construction aggravated the extent of the damage caused by the floods.The family also sought an investigation into all residential and commercial constructions undertaken in the Bela area after 2014, questioning how permissions were granted if the area had been identified as flood-prone.

They further referred to a 2018 anti-encroachment drive reportedly conducted under the then Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, questioning how land allegedly reclaimed as government property subsequently witnessed private development.The family has urged the Central Government to constitute an independent High-Level Inquiry or Special Investigation Team to examine actual expenditure incurred on the Bela Bus Stand project.Technical and environmental clearances granted for the project.Authentic land ownership records.Quality of construction and adherence to engineering norms.The role of officials and contractors involved in the project.Alleged misuse of public funds or procedural irregularities, if any.

The family stated that it possesses revenue records, photographs, videos and other documentary evidence, which it is prepared to present before any competent investigating agency. It also indicated that it may approach the High Court if its demand for an independent probe is not addressed.No official response from the concerned authorities was available at the time of filing this report.