NCST takes cognizance of alleged illegal occupation of tribal land in Ranchi

PNS

Ranchi

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has taken serious note of an alleged case of illegal occupation of a tribal person’s ancestral land in Malti village of Ranchi district and has recommended strict action.

During a site inspection, Commission member Dr. Asha Lakra found that the land had been forcibly occupied in violation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act. Following a hearing held on December 2, 2025, the Commission had directed the Deputy Commissioner, Ranchi, to initiate legal proceedings in the Settlement Revision Authority (SRA) court.

The complaint was filed by Salkhan Lakra, who alleged that his ancestral land (Khata No. 234, Plot No. 53, measuring 75 decimals) was illegally captured by local strongmen, including Yeshu Belra, Sakir Ansari, and their associates. According to the complainant, some family members were allegedly misled into signing documents, which were later used to facilitate the illegal transfer or occupation of the land.

Despite approaching local police and administrative authorities, no action was taken, prompting the complainant to seek intervention from the NCST.

During the investigation, officials found that the land is recorded as “Bakast Bhuihari Mahatoi” category in revenue records and is registered in the names of Mokowa Oraon and others. On-ground verification revealed that portions of the land had been encroached upon by several individuals, including Izrail Ansari, Qurban Ali, Samsher Ansari, Mohammad Sameem Ansari, and Abid Ansari, who had constructed houses, while another portion was fenced off by Sakir Ansari.

The Commission has now directed the Deputy Commissioner to immediately initiate proceedings in the SRA court and submit an Action Taken Report within one month.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over the protection of tribal land rights in Jharkhand and the enforcement of tenancy laws.