Stepping up its attack on the promoters of the Chester Hill real estate project in Solan district, the Himachal Pradesh unit of CPI(M) on Friday sought a judicial probe into allegations that non-agriculturist promoters from outside the state were controlling the project.
The CPI(M)’s state unit also sought the removal of acting Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta from the postion. It warned that the party would launch an agitation if immediate action was not taken in the issue.
Addressing a press briefing here, party’s state secretary Sanjay Chauhan and party leaders Kuldeep Tanwar and Virendra Mehra accused the Sukhu government of downplaying the issue by terming it a dispute among bureaucrats. They said the government’s inaction was “questionable.”
The leaders alleged that the violations not only breached provisions of the HP Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, but also weakened safeguards under Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act. They also raised concerns over an alleged nexus involving bureaucrats, contractors, real estate players and politicians.
Seeking a high-level judicial investigation, the CPI(M) leaders said no action had been taken despite inquiry reports submitted by the Solan Municipal Corporation and the SDO (Civil), which had pointed out alleged violations of laws.
The party further alleged that successive Congress and BJP governments had systematically diluted Section 118, which restricts non-agriculturists — including bona fide Himachal residents — from purchasing land in the state without government permission.
According to the inquiry report, non-agriculturist promoters from outside Himachal Pradesh were exercising control over the project. The report described the arrangement as “benami,” allegedly aimed at bypassing restrictions under the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act.
The report also highlighted the scale and financial dimensions of the project. It noted that around 275 bighas of land (1 hectare equals 3.98 bighas) were acquired within a short period and developed into housing projects valued at nearly Rs 47 crore. It recommended scrutiny by enforcement and income tax authorities.
The issue came to light after an advocate, Vinay Sharma, posted on Facebook alleging that the acting Chief Secretary had stopped the Solan Deputy Commissioner from taking action on the SDO’s report.
Also read: Top bureaucrats under scanner over land dispute in Himachal
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