Govt Land Encroachment by Kathiababa Mission School Exposed in Dewanpasa of North Tripura, Illegal Structures Removed after DM’s Orders

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 12, 2025

Tension gripped Sripur village under Dewanpasa Mouza (Ward No. 6, Sripur Panchayat) of North Tripura after district revenue officials, backed by police, conducted a spot survey this morning and confirmed that a large portion of government khas land had been illegally encroached upon in the name of Kathiababa Gurukulam Seva Trust.The survey revealed that the Kathiababa Mission School building was unlawfully constructed on khas land allegedly by one Mr. Manna Roy. Declaring the entire construction illegal, the district administration has ordered its immediate removal. Officials cautioned that if the encroachers do not comply, demolition will be carried out by the administration at their expense.

A large number of villagers and Sripur Panchayat members were present during the demarcation process. They welcomed the firm stance of the administration and expressed gratitude to the media for exposing the issue.The controversy erupted after locals lodged a formal complaint with the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, North Tripura, alleging that Roy and his associates forcibly occupied khas land in recent days. The disputed land, traditionally used for fetching water and cattle grazing, had also been earmarked for a Panchayat-initiated brick-laid public road and rehabilitation of homeless families.

Villagers further alleged that Roy deployed a bulldozer to alter the land and hurriedly erected a makeshift tin-and-bamboo structure with a boundary gate, placing a signboard in the name of Kathiababa Trust School. He also allegedly portrayed himself as a local RSS leader to discourage villagers from resisting the encroachment, citing his political links.Serious concerns were raised about the legality of the so-called school, since private institutions must comply with government norms on land ownership, fire safety, sanitation, drinking water, and CCTV surveillance,

all of which were absent in this case.

Further allegations suggest that the Trust already possesses more than 150 kanis of land through purchase and other means, exceeding the ceiling prescribed under Section 164 of the Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms (TLRLR) Act. Villagers have demanded a thorough Revenue Department investigation into the matter.

Taking note of the complaint, District Magistrate Chandni Chandra, IAS, ordered a detailed probe. A field inspection led by the Deputy Collector & Magistrate (DCM), Dharmanagar, confirmed the encroachment and halted all construction activities at the disputed site.

The DM assured that strict measures will be taken against illegal occupation of government khas land in any form, reiterating that no encroachment will be tolerated under any pretext.

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