Odisha Orders Probe into ₹100 Crore Government Land Lease Granted to OAS Officer

The case pertains to approximately 4.24 acres of land in Ogalapada Mouza under Jatani Tahasil, strategically located along the Bhubaneswar-Khordha National Highway corridor.

Revenue records currently identify the State Government as the owner of the land.

The matter came under scrutiny following an application seeking mutation of the land in favour of private claimants.

During the proceedings, the Board of Revenue discovered significant irregularities, including the absence of the original lease records from the Jatani Tahasil office.

According to available records, the land was allegedly leased in 1968 under the provisions of the Odisha Government Land Settlement (OGLS) Act to an OAS officer serving on settlement duty at the time.

The property was subsequently transferred through private sale deeds.

The Board questioned the eligibility of the officer to receive land under the OGLS framework, which was primarily intended to benefit landless agricultural labourers, ex-servicemen, cooperatives and economically weaker sections.

Officials also reported discrepancies in land measurements, map records and ownership documentation during field verification.

These inconsistencies prompted the Board to reject the mutation request and direct authorities to maintain the government’s ownership status in revenue records until the investigation is completed.

Further concerns emerged after a report submitted by the Jatani Tahasildar indicated that more than 20 acres of government land in Ogalapada Mouza are allegedly under unauthorised occupation.

Taking a serious view of the matter, the Board of Revenue has directed the Revenue Department to conduct a detailed inquiry into the legality of the original lease, the role of officials involved in the land settlement process, the disappearance of crucial records and any subsequent transactions associated with the disputed property.

The probe is expected to determine whether the state suffered financial losses due to irregular allotment or transfer of valuable government land and identify those responsible for any violations of land settlement laws.

The development is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening land governance, protecting public property and addressing long-standing concerns over encroachment and irregular land transfers in Odisha.