Controversy Surrounds Auction of DC House Building Society Land in Kaithal

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana-Pawan Kumar Bansal

Controversy Surrounds Auction of DC House Building Society Land in Kaithal

The issue surrounding the auction of land belonging to the DC House Building Society in Kaithal has become murkier and more suspicious with each passing day. The land, valued at over Rs. 100 crores, was auctioned off at a mere Rs. 13 crores. Following protests by Jagmag Mator, President of the Kaithal district AAP, and Master Satbir Goyat of AAP Haryana, the Haryana government decided to cancel the auction. However, the crucial question remains unanswered: what actions have been taken against the officers responsible for this auction?

Questions Raised Over the Auction

If the auction was legitimate, why was it canceled? If the auction was flawed, why have the responsible officers not faced any consequences? This issue traces its roots back around thirty-five years ago when then Kaithal DC, Harbaksh Singh, had formed the society for officers and employees of the DC office. At that time, allegations of irregularities in the land purchase had surfaced, and following a complaint by Minister Tejinder Maan, the matter was referred to the State Vigilance Bureau.

Rise in Land Prices and Auction Decision

In the years that followed, Kaithal underwent significant development, and Suncity builder also developed a nearby colony. The land prices soared, and the society struggled to develop a complex due to internal disputes among its members. Meanwhile, the land mafia began eyeing this prime property. The Haryana government then decided to auction off the land, and a committee was formed, headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Karnal, with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies Haryana and the DC of Kaithal as members.

Exposé and Cancellation of the Auction

Following the exposure by AAP leaders, the auction was canceled. The Joint Registrar of Cooperative Societies Haryana, on behalf of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies Haryana, wrote to the Divisional Commissioner of Karnal, Rajiv Rattan, stating, “After examining this office, serious shortcomings have been observed in the auction process, and hence, it is canceled. It has been concluded that a fair and transparent mechanism was not followed during the auction process. Therefore, the auction of land measuring 31 canals and 19 Marlas of DC House Building Society, Kaithal, has been canceled.”

A copy of the letter was sent to the Haryana Chief Minister, the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), the Secretary of the Cooperation Department, the DC of Kaithal, the District Registrar of Cooperative Societies (Kurukshetra), and the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Kaithal.

Statements from Authorities

Rajiv Rattan, the Divisional Commissioner of Karnal, responded to Gustakhi Maaf, saying, “I have received the letter from the RCS, and a reply has been sent, stating that there were no irregularities, and the due process was followed.” He expressed surprise that the RCS canceled the auction for irregularities, even though he was part of the auction committee. When questioned whether any action had been taken in this matter, Rajesh Jogpal, the RCS, said his job was only to cancel the auction.

Call for High-Level Probe

Meanwhile, AAP leader Jagmag Mator has urged the Haryana Chief Minister, Naib Saini, to conduct a high-level probe into the issue. Sandeep Khatak, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Kaithal, expressed that he was unaware of the details, having joined only two days ago.

Political Silence

It is noteworthy that this issue was exposed by AAP, yet the Congress Party, which holds five MPs and thirty-seven MLAs, has remained silent. The reasons for this silence remain unclear.