BJP demands judicial probe into Chester hill land issue

The Chester Hills project in Solan is currently embroiled in a high-profile controversy, with allegations of a multi-crore “land scam” involving 275 bighas of land and accusations of “benami” dealings, violations of Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday demanded a high court-monitored probe into the alleged Chester Hill land issue.

BJP also announced state wide agitation across all 68 assembly segments in the state. (File)

Alleging large scale corruption and administrative irregularities, BJP also announced a protest across all 68 assembly segments in the state. BJP chief spokesperson and MLA Randhir Sharma said the protest would be done from April 8 to April 11.

Addressing media persons in Shimla, Sharma questioned the silence of the chief minister on the allegations.

“The Chester Hill land case in Solan has raised serious questions over the credibility of the administrative machinery. We demand that the matter, along with all corruption allegations, be probed by a sitting High Court judge so that the truth comes out,” Sharma said.

The Chester Hills project in Solan is currently embroiled in a high-profile controversy, with allegations of a multi-crore “land scam” involving 275 bighas of land and accusations of “benami” dealings, violations of Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act.

Sharma further alleged that by naming several former and serving senior officials during the press briefing, the issue has triggered public concern about whether corruption at higher levels is being protected. “Instead of taking action, the government is shielding tainted officials and even granting them extensions,” he claimed.