Murshidabad Police Serves Legal Notice to MLA's Wife Over Wetland House
In a significant development in Behrampore, the Murshidabad Police took decisive action on Wednesday by serving a legal notice to Meera Sultana. She is the wife of Bharatpur MLA and JUP chairman Humayun Kabir. The notice alleges that she owns a house constructed on a wetland, raising serious legal and environmental concerns.
Details of the Alleged Encroachment
According to the official notice issued by the police, the three-storey house located at Manikyahar, under the jurisdiction of Shaktipur Police Station, was built by encroaching upon government land. This land is specifically owned by the Public Works Department (PWD), making the construction a direct violation of property laws.
Furthermore, the building occupies two decimals of land that are registered under Meera Sultana's name. The land and land reforms department has classified this area as a wetland. Converting such ecologically sensitive land into a residential plot without obtaining a proper land-use conversion certificate is strictly prohibited under environmental regulations.
Police Statement on the Legal Violations
Superintendent of Police Dhritiman Sarkar provided a clear explanation regarding the legal implications of this case. He stated, "Converting a wetland into a residential plot without a land-use conversion certificate is a cognisable offence. Additionally, encroaching on government land is also a serious crime. Due to these violations, a legal notice has been formally served to address the matter."
This statement underscores the dual nature of the alleged offences, highlighting both environmental and property law breaches that could lead to significant penalties if proven in court.
Political Response from Humayun Kabir
After learning about the legal notice, Humayun Kabir responded with strong political accusations. He claimed, "Trinamool is scared of me because my party, JUP, is expanding rapidly. Out of a vindictive attitude, the leadership is attempting to unsettle me by harassing my daughter and wife through such legal actions."
This response suggests that Kabir views the police action as politically motivated, aimed at undermining his influence and the growth of his political party in the region. It adds a layer of political tension to what is primarily a legal and environmental issue.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The case brings to light critical issues related to land use and environmental protection in urban and semi-urban areas. Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, and their illegal conversion for residential purposes can lead to long-term environmental damage.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to verify the allegations. If the claims are substantiated, legal proceedings could follow, potentially resulting in fines, demolition orders, or other corrective measures. This incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to land-use regulations and obtaining necessary permissions before construction.
As the situation develops, further updates from the Murshidabad Police and responses from the involved parties will be closely monitored by legal experts, environmentalists, and political observers alike.
