ACB to probe alleged irregularities in Namkum Circle; High Court takes a stern view, seeks sealed report within 4 weeks
State government approves Preliminary Enquiry (PE) into allegations regarding land transactions, mutation, and missing revenue records • Next hearing scheduled for August 21, 2026
Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has adopted a stern stance regarding the case involving alleged irregularities in land transactions and mutation, as well as the disappearance of government revenue records in the Namkum Circle. The court was informed on Friday that the state government has granted approval for a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Following this, the High Court directed the ACB to immediately register a PE and submit a sealed report of its investigation to the court within four weeks.
The matter was heard by a single-judge bench presided over by Justice Rajesh Shankar. Viewing the case seriously, the court clarified that no laxity in the investigation would be tolerated. The next hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2026.
What is the case?
In a petition filed before the High Court, petitioner Thomas Simon alleged serious irregularities in the mutation of a disputed plot of land in the Dundu area of Namkum Circle. He stated that despite repeated requests for an investigation, the concerned department failed to produce the original revenue records; this has raised serious questions regarding record tampering and the potential involvement of officials.
Court had expressed displeasure earlier as well
During the previous hearing, the High Court had directed the Cabinet Secretary to grant approval for the ACB probe within one week. The court had also expressed strong displeasure over the persistent delay by the Circle Office in providing a certified copy of the mutation documents to the opposing party.
All eyes now on the investigation
Following the state government's approval, the ACB will now conduct a Preliminary Enquiry. The investigation will seek to identify the individuals involved in the land mutation process, the transactions, and the alleged disappearance of revenue records. The course of further legal action and the investigation may be determined based on the ACB's sealed report.
The High Court will focus on the ACB's preliminary investigation report during the next hearing scheduled for August 21, 2026.
