The District Administration Kathua has launched a major crackdown on individuals possessing huge assets with no verified source of income, specifically targeting those linked to illegal activities, including drug trafficking and bovine smuggling.
The administration has issued a notice to encroachers in Panchayat Chak Desa Choudharian, Tehsil Marheen asking for immediate vacation of 372 kanal encroached state land (Kahcharai land).
The notice not only directs the encroachers to vacate the land but also to disclose the sources of income and funding used for constructing illegal structures on the encroached land. The step is part of the administration's broader strategy to address the accumulation of illicit wealth and unauthorized encroachments on government land.
Some of these individuals had unlawfully occupied a significant portion of state land in the area and have already been subjected to the Public Safety Act (PSA) for their involvement in criminal activities.
The administration has warned that failure to comply with the notice will lead to stringent legal actions, including the demolition of illegal structures and criminal proceedings against the encroachers.
Authorities have emphasized that any individual who cannot provide a legitimate source for their income or assets will be subjected to rigorous scrutiny, and severe legal action will follow. This drive is part of the Kathua District Administration's ongoing efforts to reclaim public land and address illegal activities that undermine the rule of law.
The administration has underscored its commitment to ensuring that assets obtained through unlawful means are investigated thoroughly, and those involved in illicit activities face strict legal consequences.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas, along with SDM Hiranagar and Tehsildar Marheen visited the site of the encroachment and reiterated the administration's zero-tolerance policy towards land grabbing and illegal accumulation of wealth.
Dr. Minhas emphasized that transparency is key, urging the encroachers to provide clear information on the sources of income used for the constructions. He also warned that anyone involved in criminal activities, including drug and bovine smuggling, would face firm legal action.
The District Administration has called upon the citizens of Kathua to support this initiative, urging them to assist the authorities in ensuring that illegal encroachments and criminal activities are swiftly addressed.