‘Displacement’ of tribal families in the name of eviction alleged in Odisha’s Athagarh

Stringent allegations of forceful displacement of tribal families in the name of government eviction have surfaced from Kumarapur Panchayat in Athagarh Block of Cuttack district. Reports in this regard gathered steam after the district administration served a notice to Ranjan Acharya, a former block chairman for illegal land occupation on Friday.

Reports stated that Acharya was issued a land encroachment notice for an area spanning 8 acres and 6 decimals of forest land in the Dampatipur Mouza. However, on that same tract of land, several tribal families from Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar have been living for decades after reportedly clearing forest land.

The can of worms opened after an investigation by the Revenue Supervisor identified Acharya as an illegal occupant. Subsequently, the tribal families living there have been labelled as illegal occupants, raising tensions.

The families stated to sources that they have been living on the reported land for 20 years after clearing the forest, as they do not have other land or homes. Regardless of the ownership claims, they demanded ownership rights over the land under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act.

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On the other hand, Acharya refuted the illegal occupation claimed in the notice and reiterated that every piece of land he owns is authorised and legal. He also alleged a conspiracy to tarnish his reputation.

“A few persons in the current administration are targeting me since I was formerly the block chairman and now my wife holds that position. The notices that they have issued are baseless and I do not occupy even 1 decimal of land illegally,” stated Ranjan Acharya.

Meanwhile, Ashok Swain, Additional Tehsildar of Athgarh stated that the notices were issued to Acharya for two plots based on a report by the Revenue Inspector and that the claims would be heard at court.

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“An encroachment case has been registered and its hearing is scheduled. No tribals have been named but whether Acharya or the tribals have encroached will be ascertained in the court and the course of law will be taken,” added Swain, while confirming that preliminary reports confirmed tribal families living in the identified plots.