“A Game of Shelving Files to Shield Encroachers?”
Hehal CO Remained Silent for 4 Months Despite SDO’s Orders; Evasive Responses When Questioned
Ranchi: The issue of alleged encroachment at the Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee is no longer limited merely to illegal occupation; it is now raising serious questions regarding administrative work culture and the intentions of the officials involved. The administration now finds itself in the dock for allegedly sitting on the file at the Hehal Circle Office for four months—thereby delaying action—despite clear directives from the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).
When an M Bharat 24 News Live correspondent asked Ghanshyam Kumar, the Circle Officer (CO) of the Hehal Circle, why correspondence with the Market Committee Secretary was initiated only after four months—and notably, after the Secretary’s transfer—he responded:
“Who says that correspondence cannot take place after four months?”
However, as the questions grew sharper, the CO appeared to evade providing direct answers.
The correspondent asked why a list of acquired land and shop allocations was requested from the Market Committee Secretary on November 20, 2025, when all these documents were already attached to the letter sent by the SDO on July 25, 2025.
Offering a clarification, the CO stated: “What do you know about the Public Land Encroachment Act? These documents were essential for initiating action.”
But when asked specifically what deficiency existed in the attachments accompanying the SDO’s letter that necessitated halting the proceedings, the CO chose to remain silent.
Furthermore, when asked—given that nearly a year has passed since the SDO’s letter was issued—whether a response had been provided yet, he was unable to offer a clear answer to this query either.
Later, he mentioned that a “reminder” would be sent to the Market Committee Secretary. To this, the correspondent fired a direct question:
“If all the documents are already available, what exactly is the purpose of sending a reminder?”
Yet, even to this question, the CO had no answer.
In fact, for a long time, allegations have persisted that several traders at the Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee have encroached upon and occupied land exceeding their allotted areas. However, instead of taking action, files merely circulated, correspondence continued, and the officials responsible consistently evaded providing answers.
Now, a major question is being raised:
Was action deliberately stalled to shield influential traders?
Are the encroachers being accorded protection at the administrative level?
And ultimately, why—despite the SDO's orders—was no action implemented on the ground?
The Pandara Market Committee case is no longer merely a matter of administrative lethargy; it is increasingly becoming a serious indictment of the functioning of the entire system.
