The Punjab Government has suspended Moga Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and Municipal Commissioner, Charumita Shekhar (PCS), over alleged irregularities in a ₹3.7-crore land acquisition compensation case linked to the National Highway-703 project. The action follows a formal charge-sheet by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the widening of a Vigilance Bureau (VB) probe.
The Alleged Irregularities
The controversy centers on a parcel of land along the Dharamkot–Shahkot stretch of the National Highway-703, which was allegedly re-acquired and compensated for, despite being in government use for decades:
- Original Acquisition: The land was originally acquired by the PWD (B&R) for road construction way back in 1963 and had remained in continuous public use as part of a road.
- The Disputed Compensation: During the 2014 widening project under the National Highways Act, the land was “re-acquired.” Subsequently, in 2019, a compensation award of ₹3.7 crore was issued and approved—treating the land as a new acquisition.
- Change of Land Use (CLU): Further complicating the matter, a Change of Land Use (CLU) was reportedly granted in 2022, allowing the land to be re-designated for commercial purposes, even though it was still a part of a functional road.
- Missing Records: The irregularities came to light when a compensation awardee approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court for enhanced compensation. In response to the court notice, it was discovered that crucial original acquisition records from 1963 were missing, raising serious doubts about the validity of the subsequent acquisition and compensation process.
Official Action and Investigation
The suspension orders for Charumita, a 2014-batch PCS officer, were issued by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha under the relevant provisions of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules.
- Role of ADC Charumita: At the time of the alleged irregularities, Charumita was posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dharamkot. Her role is under scrutiny for allegedly approving the compensation award without ensuring due diligence or verifying historical land records.
- Wider Probe: The Vigilance Bureau (VB) investigation into the alleged manipulation and lapses has been widened. In addition to the ADC, two tehsildars involved in preparing and verifying the records have also been charge-sheeted, suggesting a broader administrative failure or collusion.
- Next Steps: The officer’s headquarters during the suspension period will remain in Chandigarh. The ongoing Vigilance Bureau probe and proceedings in the High Court are expected to uncover further details regarding the alleged scam.