Compensation paid to 2 people for same land in Kozhikode; wrongdoers promoted, government loses lakhs

Kozhikode: The acquisition of land for the Mananchira–Vellimadukunnu road project, where compensation for the same piece of land was paid to two different parties. An amount of ₹44.23 lakh, fraudulently obtained by the former landowner using forged documents, has not been recovered even after 5 years.

Although the Revenue Vigilance Deputy Collector submitted a report three years ago recommending stern action against the officials who facilitated the fraud, no decision has been taken so far. Instead, several of the accused officials have been given promotions in government service.

The Vigilance Deputy Collector had also recommended not only the recovery of the swindled amount but also the registration of a police case against those involved. However, no action was taken on this recommendation either. According to the police, the case has been handed over to Vigilance, but there has been no progress.

The fraud dates back to 2020, when the former landowner, who had sold the land years ago, forged documents to claim compensation for the property. The Vigilance deputy collector’s investigation found the involvement of several officials at the time, including the Special Tehsildar of the City Road Development Project, Chevayur Village Office, Valuation Assistant, a Revenue Inspector, Senior Clerk, Chevayur Sub-Registrar and even the Government Pleader.

The Chevayur Village Officer which issued the Thandaper certificate and granted tax payment permission for the forged documents is currently serving as a Deputy Tehsildar.

Although the Special Tehsildar and the Valuation Assistant have retired from service, the other officials involved continue to work in various districts. The disputed compensation of ₹44.23 lakh was paid both to the genuine landowner and to the former owner for the same 3.2 cents of land acquired from Chevayur village for the road project.

It is suspected that officials colluded to ensure payment to the former owner. Using forged documents, a liability certificate (Kudikadam) was obtained from the Chevayoor Sub-Registrar’s office. Even when the land acquired for the project was registered in the name of the Public Works Department, the sub-registrar failed to properly verify the records. The Government Pleader, too, prepared the legal draft without ensuring sufficient supporting documents.

Earlier, as part of the acquisition process, a notice had been issued to Durga’s husband of Lakshminivas, Pantheerankavu, the rightful owner, inviting him to participate in the District Level Purchases Committee (DLPC) meeting chaired by the Collector. Despite this, four years later, compensation was disbursed to another person who claimed ownership, raising strong suspicion that the officials themselves facilitated the fraud.

During this period, the genuine landowner remained unaware of the developments, hoping to receive the compensation. Each time Durga approached the Special Tehsildar’s office to enquire about the delay, she was turned away with excuses. Eventually, it came to light that compensation had already been granted to another person using Durga’s property documents.

Following this revelation, an investigation was ordered by the Collector, which confirmed Durga as the rightful landowner. Yet, the Revenue Department initially refused to release the compensation to her. Following this, Durga approached the High Court and waged a legal battle for two years. Finally, in 2024, the court directed the authorities to pay her the compensation due.