Political parties stage a protest demanding probe into the land deal in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 28: The state government today ordered a crime branch probe into land grabbing by influential people at Ghangapatna village in the Chandaka forest, on the outskirts of the city.

The crime branch has been asked to complete the investigation within two months.

The controversy had surfaced after it was alleged that Rajya Sabha member Kalpataru Das’s son Pranab Balabantaray, an MLA, owned a patch of land, which was part of the disputed 100 acres.

Subsequently, there were allegations that a company owned by state BJP president K.V. Singh Deo also owned land in the area. The BJP leader, however, had made it clear that the land deal was transparent. The government in a statement today said 76 of the disputed 100 acres had been encroached upon.

The government directed the tehsildar to restore the government land that was transacted fraudulently and the land that was being used in violation of lease conditions. Of the 76 acres, the lease of 41 acres has been cancelled and recorded by the government as its land. The records of the remaining 35 acres will be cancelled.

In an official release, the government said the sub-registrar who had registered the documents would be suspended. Besides, proceedings would be initiated against the sub-registrar, revenue inspector, tehsildar and additional tehslidar concerned.

Criminal action would be taken against those constructing the road inside the forest. However, the government release did not identify the people constructing the road. “The crime branch will find out the details,” said an official.

The government also asked the revenue department to bring in legislation to prevent land grabbing, with stringent provisions, for consideration of the cabinet within a month. “It should be clarified whether the crime branch probe is being ordered to protect the people who are involved in the mega scam or to find out the real culprits. A minister and an MLA was involved in the scam,” BJP senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra sarcastically said.

Former Union minister Sriknat Jena said: “All the cases related to the land scam should be handed over to the CBI. Those who have given false affidavits and taken more than two house and plots should be sent to jail.”