Encroachment by Champua MLA: Only ‘temporary constructions’ to be razed

Champua (Keonjhar): The Keonjhar additional district magistrate (ADM) has clarified that only temporary constructions on the land encroached by Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud will be demolished tomorrow and not the house and office of the independent legislator.

In his clarification issued today, the ADM has maintained that court has ordered eviction in five acres of encroached land, while Sanatan’s house and office is spread over 1 acre and 20 decimals of land spread over multiple plots. These will not be evicted on account of a stay order issued by the High Court on the same.

“There are two plots – one 5 acre and the other 1 acre 20 decimals. There is a High Court stay on the 1-acre 2 decimal patch of land. In the 5 acre land, there are some temporary sheds built for cattle and livestock. Moreover, there are some construction workers who are staying in that patch of land. These constructions will be evicted,” said Sangram Keshari Swain, Keonjhar ADM.

Moreover, court has also allowed the temple built on a portion of encroached land to be retained.

According to sources, eight district magistrates and more than 25 platoons of police force will be deployed during the eviction.