Statesman News Service
KALIMPONG, March 22. — Following allegations raised by the Opposition front, the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), regarding illegitimate dealing of land under the DI Fund and Development Area, by a few noted town residents, the sub-divisional officer, who is also the officer-in-charge of land and land reforms department (LLRD), has called for a hearing of those accused.
Among those accused of “illegal” land dealing are the secretary of Kalimpong Chamber of Commerce, Mr Surendra Parekh, its vice-president, Mr Dinesh Mittal, and Mr Sonam Tshering Bhutia, an eminent citizen of the town.
The SDO has issued notices to all the accused persons, instructing them to remain present at the hearing on 11 April.
The notice read: “You are accused of involving in illegal selling of land of Tibetans referred as: (1) Maa Villa, Primtam Road, Kalimpong Plot No. 161 (old) to which you have submitted a reply against the show-cause issued to you by this office Memo No. 46/Dev. Area Dt. 22.2.05 (2) It is also alleged that you are involved in illegal selling of land bearing plot no. A/199 (old) LR plot no 8777 and 8766 located at Lower Bridle road to one Surendra Parakh and Dinesh Mittal. Regarding the matter, a hearing will be held in the office of the SDO on 11 April.”
Mr Bhutia, however, denied his involvement in the illegal land dealing, claiming that the Opposition parties have hatched a conspiracy against him to malign his image. “If the allegations are true, let them prove those,” Mr Bhutia said.
An Opposition leader, on the other hand, alleged: “The land was purchased by Mr Surendra Parekh and Mr Dinesh Mittal. But the deal was cancelled when the owner of the land (declared dead by the trio) appeared.”
The secretary of KCC, Mr Surendra Parekh, refused to comment on the issue.