Haryana govt identifies 370 'corrupt' patwaris, their 170 aides; orders action against them
Chandigarh (PTI): The Haryana government has prepared a list of 370 'patwaris' (revenue officials) and 170 private individuals working as their assistants who are allegedly involved in corrupt practices.
The office of the financial commissioner, revenue (FCR) has written to deputy commissioners to initiate stringent action against the corrupt officials.
'Patwaris' maintain land records, certify land possession, mutation and other works.
According to the FCR's communication dated January 14, these 370 'patwaris' across the state have been accused of demanding bribes from people to get their work done.
Kaithal tops the list prepared by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department with 46 "corrupt" 'patwaris', followed by 41 in Sonipat, 36 in Mahendragarh, 27 in Gurugram, 25 in Fatehabad, 23 in Kurukshetra and 20 in Jhajjar.
The list identifies 19 such 'patwaris' in Faridabad, 17 in Palwal, 16 in Rewari, 14 in Yamunanagar, 13 each in Sirsa and Hisar, 12 in Jind, 10 in Bhiwani, nine in Panipat, seven in Karnal, six each in Charkhi Dadri and Nuh, and five each in Ambala and Rohtak.
Panchkula is the only district which does not figure on the list.
The FCR's communication asked deputy commissioners to take action against the "corrupt" 'patwaris' and submit an action taken report within 15 days.
The communication stated that people, who go to 'patwaris' for their land-related work are harassed as these 'patwaris' repeatedly raise objections, forcing people to pay them to get their work done.
It said corrupt practices of such 'patwaris' adversely affect the image of the government.
The report prepared by the department mentions the modus operandi of the 'patwaris', their castes and period of posting.
According to the report, a 'patwari' posted in Ambala for the past 18 months has been harassing the public by demanding bribes for things like mutation, land measurement and rectification of land records. He has deputed a private individual for accepting the money on his behalf, it said.
In Bhiwani, a 'patwari' takes Rs 3,000-4,000 for mutation and a 'patwari' in Charkhi Dadri demands Rs 1,000-2,000 for land mutation, the report stated.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
