A Strategic Asset Illegally Sold
In a startling case of fraud that remained hidden for nearly three decades, a mother and son in Ferozepur have been booked for illegally selling a historic Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrip. The land, a strategic asset from the World War II era located in Fattuwala village near the Pakistan border, served as a crucial advanced landing ground during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars. The alleged sale, which took place in 1997, has now come to light following a High Court-ordered investigation, revealing a major lapse in administrative oversight concerning a vital piece of national property.
The Anatomy of the Scam
According to the investigation conducted by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, the mother-son duo, Usha Ansal and Naveen Chand, deceitfully claimed ownership of the airstrip. The land had been officially acquired by the government during British rule on March 12, 1945, and rightfully belonged to the IAF. However, the accused allegedly colluded with a section of revenue officials to create forged records, which they then used to execute the sale. This fraudulent transaction allowed them to profit from land that was never legally theirs to sell.
Long and Delayed Path to Justice
The matter was first brought to attention by a whistleblower, retired revenue official Nishan Singh, but his initial complaint failed to trigger any significant action. The issue gained momentum only in 2021, when the commandant of the Halwara Air Force Station wrote to the Ferozepur deputy commissioner, formally seeking a probe into the matter. After further delays, the Punjab and Haryana High Court finally intervened, ordering a thorough investigation by the state's Vigilance Bureau. This judicial push was instrumental in unraveling the long-concealed scam. Following the court's intervention, the land was successfully restored to the Ministry of Defence earlier this year.
Investigation and Accountability
An FIR has now been registered against Usha Ansal and Naveen Chand under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of cheating, forgery of valuable security, and criminal conspiracy. A detailed investigation, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, is currently underway to identify all individuals involved in the fraud, including the complicit officials. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in land record management and the critical importance of judicial oversight in protecting national assets.
