Ghaziabad: The investigation into the alleged encroachment of municipal land worth approximately ₹100 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district has taken a fresh turn after the original case file reportedly went missing from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office. The development has raised serious concerns over the integrity of the investigation, particularly as crucial pages of a 26-year-old revenue report had previously disappeared from the district record room.
The case pertains to municipal land in Sadarpur, where complaints of alleged illegal occupation and construction prompted an official inquiry. Following the complaint, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) wrote to the Municipal Corporation on April 25, 2023, stating that the land in question was recorded as Gram Sabha land, triggering a detailed examination of the revenue records.
During the investigation, officials found that key pages relating to Khasra No. 45 from a revenue report prepared in October 2000 were missing from the revenue archives. The absence of these documents affected efforts to verify ownership records and establish the legal status of the land.
Around seven months ago, an FIR was registered at Kavi Nagar Police Station against Jaiprakash, Dharambir, and Brahm Singh, who were posted in the revenue record office, over the alleged disappearance of official records. Investigators alleged that tampering with the records prevented access to important documents related to the government land.
The investigation also revealed that four individuals were allegedly occupying the disputed land. In a subsequent development, a retired Army serviceman from Sadarpur wrote to the Municipal Corporation, the SDM, and the Mayor, claiming that his father had been misled into taking possession of the government land in 2014. He stated that he had only recently become aware of the dispute and expressed his willingness to vacate the land if it was officially established as government property. Another alleged occupant has reportedly submitted a similar letter to the authorities.
The issue gained further attention after the Mayor of Ghaziabad wrote to the District Magistrate questioning the progress of the investigation. The Mayor alleged that the actions taken so far appeared to favour the alleged encroachers. The letter also claimed that documents and an earlier inquiry report submitted by the Mayor had not been adequately considered during the investigation.
Questions have also been raised over the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the District Magistrate to probe the matter. According to officials, the SIT proposed carrying out a physical verification of the land nearly six weeks after its formation, even though such verification had reportedly already been completed. The subsequent disappearance of the original file from the SDM office has further complicated the investigation.
The administration said efforts are underway to trace the missing file. Officials stated that the Additional District Magistrate (Sadar), who recently assumed charge, has directed that the file be located at the earliest so that the investigation can proceed without further delay.
District Magistrate Ravindra Mandar said the investigation is continuing and that an explanation has been sought from the SIT regarding the progress of the inquiry. He has directed officials to complete the investigation expeditiously and submit a comprehensive report. Authorities said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the available documentary evidence.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
