CORRUPTION IN LAND MUTATION EXPOSED, MINISTER ORDERED DM TO SUBMIT INQUIRY REPORT

CORRUPTION IN LAND MUTATION EXPOSED, MINISTER ORDERED DM TO SUBMIT INQUIRY REPORT

9-JUNE-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------Following a series of startling revelations, it would not be incorrect to say that a corruption syndicate was operating during Nitish Kumar's tenure, with illicit payoffs reaching the higher echelons of power. The plight of the victim was such that after lodging a complaint, the accused officials would mock him, asking, "Did you go to your father [for help]? What happened? Things are only possible if you work within the system; if you insist on laws and rules, you'll just keep running from pillar to post."

A similar case has emerged from the Khodawandpur Circle Office in Begusarai district, involving serious allegations of corruption, bribery, administrative patronage, and abuse of office regarding land mutation. In this regard, Lalan Kumar—a native of the district currently residing in Lucknow—has submitted a detailed petition to Dilip Jaiswal, the Minister of Revenue and Land Reforms, demanding a high-level inquiry and strict action.

Taking cognizance of the complaint, the Minister of Revenue and Land Reforms termed the matter serious and directed that a confidential inquiry be conducted and a report submitted promptly. The Minister’s handwritten note acknowledges the gravity of the case and mentions that it has been forwarded to the concerned officials for necessary action. This order has caused a stir within the Revenue Department, and all eyes are now fixed on the upcoming inquiry report.

In his petition, Lalan Kumar alleges that the mutation process for land he purchased in 2012 has been kept pending for years, whereas the mutation and *Jamabandi* (record of rights) processes for other buyers associated with the same *Khata-Khesra* (plot/survey) numbers were completed long ago. He alleges that his case was deliberately stalled, causing him significant financial and mental distress. According to the application, when the applicant attempted to process the mutation of their land—to which they hold a valid title—they discovered that the land had been placed on a "restricted list" by the then Circle Officer and the Circle Office. Consequently, details of the land do not appear on the online portal to this day, whereas records for other buyers holding land under the same *Khata-Khesra* (account and plot numbers) are available online.

The complaint accuses the current Circle Officer of Khodavandpur, Preeti Kumari, and her associate revenue staff member, Ranjeet Kumar, of soliciting bribes, engaging in administrative corruption, and abusing their official positions. However, these allegations have not yet been officially confirmed, and the true situation will only become clear after an investigation.

The applicant has also alleged that administrative patronage might be hindering impartial action in their case. The application requests a special investigation to ensure an unbiased examination of the facts.

Raising another serious point, the application notes that the current Circle Officer, Preeti Kumari, has a husband—Umashankar Yadav—who is reportedly posted as a Circle Officer (CO) in another district. The complainant further mentions that, according to various local sources, departmental proceedings or inquiries are currently underway against Umashankar Yadav within the Revenue Department.

The application suggests that if these facts are confirmed, the impartiality and transparency of the handling of related complaints could be compromised.

The complainant also claims that there is local talk regarding the concerned officials and their families possessing movable and immovable assets—as well as large amounts of cash—that exceed their known sources of income. They have demanded an independent investigation by competent agencies into the officials' income, assets, financial sources, and transactions. The application asserts that an impartial probe into these allegations could expose large-scale corruption and the accumulation of illicit wealth. A high-level, independent inquiry into the entire matter should be conducted by a special investigation team, the Vigilance Department, or an independent committee. Necessary action should be taken following an investigation into the allegations leveled against Circle Officer Preeti Kumari and Revenue Official Ranjit Kumar. Pending departmental cases involving Umashankar Yadav and the concerned officials should be reviewed. An independent probe into the income, movable and immovable assets, and financial sources of the concerned officials should be carried out. Inspections or raids should be conducted at their offices, government residences, and private premises as deemed necessary.

A fair re-examination of mutation application number 993/2025-26 should be conducted to ensure justice. The online land records should be restored, and the valid *Jamabandi* (record of rights) and mutation processes should be completed. To ensure an impartial resolution, the investigation should be entrusted to another officer or a special unit. A high-level monitoring mechanism should be established to curb the corruption prevalent in land-related matters in Bihar.

It is noteworthy that the Government of Bihar has been continuously striving to bring transparency to land reforms and revenue administration. Both former and current Revenue Ministers have consistently advocated for a strict stance against departmental corruption. In this context, the matter has gained significant importance following the Minister's order for a confidential inquiry.

At present, all allegations mentioned in the application are merely claims made by the complainant; their veracity can only be confirmed once the investigation report is submitted. It remains to be seen what facts emerge from the departmental inquiry and what further action the administration takes in this matter.