By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 12, 2025
Agartala, Sept 12 (FD) Tension prevailed in Sripur village under Dewanpasa Mouza of North Tripura on Friday after district revenue officials, accompanied by police, conducted a spot survey and confirmed that a large portion of government khas land had been illegally occupied in the name of Kathiababa Gurukulam Seva Trust.
The survey revealed that the Kathiababa Mission School building was unlawfully constructed on khas land, allegedly by one Mr. Manna Roy. Declaring the structure illegal, the district administration ordered its immediate removal and warned that demolition would be carried out at the encroacher’s expense if they failed to comply.
A large number of villagers and Sripur Panchayat members were present during the demarcation process. They welcomed the firm action of the administration and thanked the media for exposing the issue. The controversy surfaced after locals lodged complaints with the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, alleging that Roy and his associates forcibly occupied khas land, traditionally used for water fetching, cattle grazing, a proposed Panchayat road, and rehabilitation of homeless families.
Villagers further alleged that Roy used a bulldozer to alter the land and hastily erected a makeshift tin-and-bamboo structure, putting up a signboard in the name of Kathiababa Trust School. He also allegedly projected himself as an RSS leader to deter resistance, citing political links. Questions were raised about the legality of the school since it lacked compliance with land ownership, fire safety, sanitation, drinking water, and CCTV norms required for private institutions.
Further allegations suggest that the Trust already holds over 150 kanis of land, surpassing the ceiling under Section 164 of the Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms (TLRLR) Act. Villagers demanded a full Revenue Department probe into the matter.
Taking note of the complaint, District Magistrate Chandni Chandra, IAS, ordered a detailed inquiry. A field inspection led by the Deputy Collector & Magistrate, Dharmanagar, confirmed the encroachment and halted all construction activities at the site.
The DM assured that strict measures would be taken against illegal occupation of khas land, stressing that “no encroachment will be tolerated under any pretext.” FD JK