Punjab, India: Land Mafia cases are on the rise in Punjab, as many instances are being reported everyday, surpassing previous records. Recently, a case reported a massive network of land mafia operating within the city of Zirakpur. It is alleged that the renowned real estate and architecture firm, Daws and Kahlon, is involved in these illicit activities.
The reports stated that the real estate firm is working under the protection of influential figures holding high-ranking positions, which is why they are running their network without fear or interference from police officials. This firm’s actions discourage – NRIs from investing in their home country along with tarnishing the reputation of the real estate industry.
The sources became sure of the illegal activities of this firm following a complaint from an NRI based in Brampton, Canada, Harpreet Singh, who became a victim of this land mafia.
As per his statement, Daws and Kahlon are engaged in several illicit activities, which also include land grabbing. The NRI added that the firm utilizes its strong connections in order to escape such criminal activities.
Singh said that because of Daws and Kahlons’ actions, several people in Zirakpur City and surrounding areas are now scared to invest in commercial or residential properties because they fear that such a mafia will take their land away.
Singh highlighted that being an NRI, he has always been concerned about the safety of his investments in a property in his home country. Following what happened to him, he is now more hesitant to put his money in a nation where he feels the law no longer protects it.
He also said that this case reminds NRIs and the citizens of Punjab to be aware of such people as the land mafia is unexpectedly becoming dangerous in this state.
Harpreet Singh added that the land mafia group in Zirakpur is not being run by Daws and Kahlon alone, as it is an influential and well-organized group with several members. The mafia is said to be using many methods to acquire land, including threats, intimidation, and violence.
He added that after the mafia acquires the land illegally, it usually sells it to legitimate buyers, and that too at high prices. Furthermore, the mafia denies getting the registered documents for such properties, leaving purchases with no legal resort. Notably, the group then harasses or intimidates buyers who try to get their money back.
Following a series of complaints, the Punjab Government has seriously considered the issue and directed the vigilance and police departments to foster measures to crackdown on the land mafia, which poses a substantial threat to the dignity and the rule of law and hinders the development of the state.
The government of Punjab is in urgent need to wake up and look into the land mafia issue in Zirakpur as it is becoming a severe problem causing a negative impact on the city.
The government needs to arrest the members of the mafia, seize their assets and bring the victims to justice. The government also need to look deeply into the cases of the victims and must protect them from any kind of harassment.
