Case Filed Against Achyuta Samanta Over Land Grab Allegations in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A case has been registered against Achyuta Samanta and others at Infocity Police Station over land grab allegations, following a complaint by Bansidhar Behera, a resident of Tankapani Road.

According to sources, police have booked the accused under sections 329(3), 324(4), 303(2), 351(2), and 3(5) of the BNS, based on Behera’s claim that his 100-decimal land near KISS was forcibly encroached. He alleged that the boundary wall was demolished, and trees within the property were destroyed.

“This is our personal land. Eight of us purchased one acre, leaving 200 decimals for the road. However, an attempt was made to encroach on our plot. We built a six-foot-high boundary wall, but it was demolished on three sides. Sand, gravel, and bamboo have been dumped on our land. We have lodged an FIR and are awaiting police action,” Behera said.

The allegations intensified after a group of senior citizens filed a complaint with the Chief Minister’s grievance cell, accusing KIIT authorities of blocking roads, dumping materials, and constructing a gate on the main road, restricting access to their legally purchased land.

Reports indicate that some residents of Patharagadia had previously filed complaints with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that over one acre of land was forcibly taken over by KIIT and KISS authorities.

On July 12, Bansidhar Behera and others formally lodged a complaint at Infocity Police Station against Achyuta Samanta and KIIT officials. Despite multiple attempts, no response has been received from Achyuta Samanta regarding the allegations.