Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh): A major case of alleged illegal allocation of government land has surfaced in Sambhal district, where four leases issued in 1991 for around 31 bigha of Ganga river land in Surpur village of Gunnour tehsil have been cancelled by the administration. The investigation found that the category of submerged river land was allegedly changed and the land was allotted in violation of rules.
The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) cancelled the four leases based on the inquiry report submitted by the Gunnour Sub-Divisional Magistrate. The administration has also ordered restoration of the original status of the land in revenue records.
The investigation revealed that the land was recorded as non-transferable landholder property in the current revenue records (Khatauni), while consolidation records, including plot forms 41 and 45, classified it as Category-6(1) submerged land, meaning river land. According to officials, the category was altered in records to show the land as agricultural, after which leases were issued.
Four Leases Issued in 1991 Cancelled
The cancelled leases were issued on November 17, 1991. They were allotted in the names of Shrinivas, Sher Singh, Shakuntala, residents of Surpur village, and Prakash Chandra, resident of Patei Kayasth village.
During the administrative inquiry, officials found that the allotment process did not comply with the provisions of Section 128 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006. Following the findings, the leases were cancelled and the process of restoring the land to its river category was initiated.
The ADM stated that all four allotments made after changing the category of river land were found to be against established rules. Necessary corrections are now being made in revenue records to reflect the actual status of the land.
Alleged Network of Illegal Leases Along Ganga Riverbank
The issue of alleged illegal leases on government land along the Ganga riverbank is not new in Sambhal. According to the administration’s investigation, a system had allegedly been operating for years in the Gunnour region where the category of government land was changed to facilitate allotments.
Earlier, a case involving around 845 bigha of Ganga land and 162 allegedly illegal leases had surfaced in Sukhailla village under Gram Panchayat Asadpur. During further investigation into that matter, the 31-bigha land allocation case in Surpur also came to light.
Officials said a similar pattern was found in both cases. Riverbed land was allegedly shown as agricultural land in official records and leases were issued. However, on-site verification indicated that the land was not suitable for regular farming and was allegedly being used mainly for activities such as sand extraction.
Government Land Worth Around ₹18 Crore Under Scanner
The investigation has so far raised questions over the alleged irregular allocation of nearly 850 bigha (71.55 hectares) of government land. According to officials, the estimated value of this land is around ₹18 crore.
Authorities said that old leases issued along the Ganga riverbank are being reviewed. Several villages under Rajpura, Gunnour and Junawai blocks are located near the river, where leases were issued at different times. The administration is examining these records to identify which allotments were made legally and which may involve irregularities.
Role of Officials and Influential Persons Under Investigation
The administration’s probe has also indicated possible negligence or alleged involvement of officials from revenue and consolidation departments in some cases. Officials said further action would be taken against those found responsible after completion of the investigation.
In the Sukhailla case, the role of some officials and employees had already come under scrutiny. The administration has stated that strict action will continue against those involved in illegal occupation of government land or irregular lease allotments.
The Sambhal administration is now conducting a detailed review of all old leases along the Ganga riverbank. Officials said more cases related to government land irregularities may emerge after the completion of the ongoing investigation.
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.
