Babulal Marandi seeks probe into ‘illegal’ tribal land deal linked to Jharkhand IPS officer
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 9: Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Sunday urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to order…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 9: Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Sunday urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to order a high-level investigation into the alleged illegal occupation and transfer of tribal land involving senior police officer and IG (Provision) Pankaj Kamboj.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Marandi cited a complaint submitted by Anurag Oraon and alleged that documents attached to the complaint raise serious questions over the transfer of tribal land in Ranchi’s Kanke area. He sought immediate action against the police officer if the allegations are found to be true.
Marandi flags alleged transfer of Khatiyani tribal land
According to the complaint cited in Marandi’s letter, the disputed property is located at Mauja-Chama, Khata No. 120, Part-2, Plot No. 1054, Halka-3, Anchal-Kanke, in Ranchi district. The land was originally recorded in the name of Khedua Oraon, the complainant alleged.
Marandi claimed that the tribal land was subsequently purchased and mutated in the name of Prem Kumar Kamboj, father of serving IG (Provision) Pankaj Kamboj.
The BJP leader said the alleged transaction raises serious concerns about the protection of tribal land rights in Jharkhand, particularly in light of the provisions of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act.
Allegations of misuse of office and land mafia links
Marandi also alleged that unaccounted money was used in the purported land transaction and claimed that the senior police officer had shielded alleged land mafia operative Kamlesh Kumar, who was recently arrested.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
The Leader of Opposition said the alleged involvement of a senior police official in a tribal land dispute warrants a detailed and impartial investigation. He questioned how Khatiyani tribal land could allegedly be transferred in violation of legal safeguards meant to protect tribal landholders.
Demand for suspension and independent investigation
Marandi has urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to suspend Pankaj Kamboj from his current post pending investigation immediately.
He also demanded a high-level probe by an independent agency, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), into the alleged acquisition of properties through misuse of official position.
Marandi further sought strict legal action, and demanded that the rights of the tribal community be protected.
The BJP leader said the allegations were particularly serious in Jharkhand, where tribal land protection is a politically and legally sensitive issue. He urged the state government to take cognisance of the complaint and ensure a transparent investigation.
