The Punjab vigilance bureau has directed all deputy commissioners in the state to verify the accuracy of land records for 2,239 properties recorded in the name of Pearl Agro-Tech Limited (PACL), its directors, promoters, agents, employees, and associate companies. The Central Bureau of Investigation and Securities and Exchange Board of India have indicated that these properties’ ownership details may be incorrect. The vigilance bureau instructed the government to appoint a nodal officer to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court order to protect farmers’ interests.
The bureau suggested that all deeds, documents of sale, transfer executed, and registered in the state be rendered null and void immediately. If the properties are under unauthorised possession, the DCs have been asked to remove encroachments. Furthermore, the revenue department will issue a public notice stating that the land belongs to PACL or Pearl Green Forest Limited and should not be encroached upon, referring to the Supreme Court’s 2016 orders.
The VB has also provided its list of 31 alienated properties of PACL and PGF Ltd in Punjab to SSPs of the vigilance bureau for scrutinising the transactions in every case to identify the roles of public servants. The intelligence wing of the VB has been asked to collect information about any unidentified property of PACL and PGF. Finally, the DCs may persuade the Lodha Committee to provide guidance and devise a roadmap for selling PACL and PGF properties to return the proceeds to investors.
The VB’s instructions aim to guarantee accurate data and eliminate misconduct in the land records in the state. The Punjab government’s prompt action in this regard is crucial to rehabilitate and compensate disadvantaged citizens whose properties may be adversely affected by subterfuge.
