CPI(M) Demands SIT Probe Into Himachal Land Scams

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has stepped up pressure on the Himachal Pradesh government, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged land scams, including a high-profile case in Chester Hills, Solan, involving 275 bighas and worth hundreds of crores. The party has also called for FIRs against those accused.

At a press conference, party secretary Sanjay Chauhan alleged that a nexus of land mafia, real estate operators, and senior officials is illegally grabbing land, water, and forest resources. He further raised concerns about the possible use of illegal funds, including hawala transactions, in these deals, urging the government to investigate this angle as well.

Chauhan demanded the removal of a senior bureaucrat allegedly linked to the scam and warned that the party would launch a mass movement if the government failed to act. He announced plans to gherao the state Secretariat in Chotta Shimla and said CPM leaders would visit Chester Hills to interact with locals and conduct their own inquiry.

Former Theog MLA and CPM leader Rakesh Singha echoed these concerns, accusing the land mafia of operating under the guise of real estate with the backing of senior officials. He also criticized both Congress and BJP governments for weakening Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, which restricts land transfers to non-agriculturists, claiming this has facilitated land grabbing and harmed farmers’ interests.

The party’s strong stance signals growing political heat over land-related corruption in the state, with the Chester Hills case emerging as a flashpoint.