Shocking! Historic IAF airstrip in Ferozepur illegally sold off

Ferozepur police have booked a woman and her son for allegedly orchestrating the illegal sale of a historic Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrip, a scam that remained concealed for 28 years and reportedly involved the connivance of revenue officials. The World War II-era airstrip, which served as an advanced landing ground during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, was purportedly sold in 1997.

The accused, Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand, both residents of Dumni Wala village, were named in a First Information Report (FIR). This action follows an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which directed the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) chief director to investigate the serious allegations, as reported by The Times of India.

The case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 465 (forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will, etc), 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record), and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

Investigation Underway

Detailed investigations are currently underway, with Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Karan Sharma leading the probe. The ongoing inquiry aims to identify all individuals involved in this long-concealed scam.

The airstrip is strategically located in Fattuwala village, in close proximity to the Pakistan border. The land was only restored to the Ministry of Defence this year, following the direct intervention of the High Court.

Forged records and collusion?

According to the VB probe, the land, originally acquired on March 12, 1945, during British rule for use in World War II, rightfully belonged to the IAF. The Times of India report revealed that Usha Ansal and Naveen Chand allegedly deceitfully claimed ownership of this land and proceeded to sell it. This was reportedly carried out in collusion with certain revenue officials, utilizing forged records.

The matter initially came to light following a complaint by whistleblower Nishan Singh, a retired revenue official. However, despite the complaint, no immediate action was taken.

In 2021, the commandant of the Halwara Air Force Station reportedly wrote to the Ferozepur deputy commissioner, urging a probe. After multiple delays, the High Court’s intervention ultimately led to the initiation of formal action in the case.