Land Mafia allegations rock Jogendranagar as residents defend Durga Puja ground

Agartala’s Jogendranagar locality has been gripped by tension following serious allegations that a powerful land syndicate is attempting to seize and sell a plot that has served as the community’s Durga Puja ground for over 25 years. 

Nearly 200 families of Abhijit Palli staged a protest, demanding immediate administrative intervention to stop what they described as blatant land grabbing in defiance of repeated warnings by the Chief Minister against illegal land dealings.

Residents alleged that the disputed plot, which has hosted the annual Durga Puja without interruption for decades, has suddenly been claimed by a private party seeking to sell it. The move has triggered outrage, with locals questioning how a site used for public religious purposes could be transferred without a proper inquiry into its ownership status.

The protesters accused an entrenched land mafia network of forging ownership documents for government plots and fabricating powers of attorney to facilitate illegal transactions across Jogendranagar, Anandanagar, Renters’ Colony, Kazi Nazrul Islam Colony and Janata Colony. 

They specifically named Jiban Dey and Sujit Dey, alleging that the duo and their associates have long operated as brokers in disputed land deals, creating obstacles for genuine landowners while profiting from fraudulent sales.

According to residents, the racket has thrived for years with the alleged involvement of certain lawyers and government employees in local tehsil offices. They claimed that despite the change of government and repeated assurances of strict action, no effective crackdown has been carried out, allowing the syndicate to grow more active with support from influential individuals.

To safeguard the Durga Puja ground and preserve community traditions, residents said they have submitted written complaints to the administration, elected representatives, Ward No. 29 office and Booth No. 45. They demanded an impartial investigation, suspension of any attempt to transfer or sell the land, and strict legal action against those found guilty if the allegations are proven.

As of now, the administration has not issued an official response, but the issue has generated considerable unrest in the locality. Residents insist that only a thorough inquiry and decisive action can restore confidence and curb the alleged land mafia’s activities in Agartala’s neighborhoods.