Tribal rest house project stalled amid land grab, theft allegations in Kokrajhar

A major tribal welfare initiative in Kokrajhar has come under strain following serious allegations of interference, land grabbing, and theft by a controversial businessman, Sanjan Pal. 

The Kokrajhar District Tribal Sangha has accused Pal of creating disturbances and engaging in illegal activities on land recently allotted for a Tribal Rest House under the Directorate of Tribal Affairs.

According to the Tribal Sangha, the BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council) government had allotted 2 bighas, 2 kathas, and 15 lechas of land through letter no. KRC 13/2019/8 on November 13, 2024, for the construction of the rest house at Pathorghat in Kokrajhar. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 2 crore, has already begun under the supervision of the Tribal Sangha.

Anil Wary, President of the Kokrajhar District Tribal Sangha, stated that while the construction work was progressing, Pal allegedly trespassed on the site and dishonestly removed building materials and structures, including components of a traditional Assamese-style bungalow, railings, grills, doors, and window frames from several houses.

Also Read: "No reason for malice...": Gaurav Gogoi hails FS Vikram Misri's impeccable duty

Following the registration of a complaint at Kokrajhar Police Station, the stolen items were reportedly recovered from the premises of Sanjan Pal’s residence by local police in the presence of Tribal Sangha leaders.

Despite the recovery of stolen property, the Sangha expressed shock that Sanjan Pal was not arrested and continues to move about freely. They allege that the businessman is part of a broader land mafia network and may be operating under political or administrative protection.

"The involvement of suspected outsiders attempting to grab tribal land through deceit or force will never be tolerated," said Wary, urging the district administration to take immediate and appropriate action.

The Tribal Sangha has demanded a thorough investigation and accountability from authorities, warning that inaction could embolden further illegal encroachments on indigenous land.

The incident has raised broader concerns over land rights, enforcement of tribal protections and the impartiality of law enforcement in the region.