DM West Tripura Cracks Down on Illegal Conversion of Govt. Khas Land in Gandhigram: DCM, Tehsildar, UDC and LDC Suspended
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 11, 2026
In one of the most significant actions against alleged land record manipulation in recent years, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, has initiated stringent disciplinary and criminal proceedings over the illegal conversion of nearly two acres of government khas land into private jote land at Gandhigram Mouja under Mohanpur Sub-Division in West Tripura District.
The action follows an official inquiry that reportedly uncovered serious irregularities in the opening of a khatian and subsequent mutation of governmentowned land in favour of private individuals. The investigation found prima facie evidence suggesting that land recorded as government khas land was converted into private jote land through forgery, document manipulation, improper verification, and violations of established land administration procedures.
According to the inquiry findings, a khatian was opened in favour of a private beneficiary, Smt. Surashree Deb of Gandhigram, on the basis of an alleged allotment order. Subsequent mutation proceedings were also allowed, resulting in the transfer of government land into private ownership. The land in question covers approximately two acres in Gandhigram Mouja, an area that has witnessed rapid urban and commercial expansion in recent years.
Taking serious note of the irregularities, the West Tripura District Magistrate has ordered disciplinary proceedings against Shri Tapas Majumder, who was serving as Deputy Collector (DCM) attached to the SDM Office, Mohanpur, at the relevant time. The General Administration (Personnel & Training) Department placed him under suspension with immediate effect pending the outcome of the departmental inquiry. The suspension order was issued on June 9, 2026.
In addition, three other government employees have also been suspended for their alleged involvement in forgery, manipulation of official records, and procedural violations. They are Shri Rabin Ghosh, Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Shri Aghore Debbarma, Tehsildar, and Shri Sandhi Debbarma, Upper Division Clerk (UDC).
Official sources stated that the inquiry revealed serious lapses in verification procedures and indicated that revenue records were altered or processed without proper scrutiny of ownership status and legal entitlement. The findings have raised concerns over the integrity of land administration processes and the possibility of organized attempts to illegally convert government land into private holdings.
Alongside departmental action, police proceedings have also been initiated. Criminal investigations are now underway against both the private beneficiaries who allegedly gained ownership of the land and the government officials who facilitated or approved the transactions in violation of prevailing land laws and government regulations.
Government sources emphasized that the administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal occupation, encroachment, and unauthorized transfer of public land. Authorities have been directed to identify every individual involved in the alleged fraud and ensure accountability irrespective of position or status.
Officials further indicated that the government is examining whether additional parcels of khas land may have been converted through similar methods. Revenue and administrative authorities have been instructed to conduct a broader scrutiny of sensitive land transactions and mutation records to detect any wider network of irregularities.
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