RAJOURI, Jul 24: In the aftermath of the recent devastating floods that caused extensive damage in the Bela area of Rajouri, a local family has demanded a high-level investigation into the Bela Bus Stand project, alleged land-related irregularities, and the role of various government departments.
According to the family, the land on which the Bela Bus Stand was constructed was their ancestral property. They claim they have been pursuing legal proceedings before the District Court, Rajouri, and later the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir since 2019. The family alleges that the recent floods washed away the disputed land, resulting in the loss of property worth crores of rupees.
The family further claims that between 2019 and 2026, they spent approximately Rs 40–45 lakh on litigation and related matters. They also state that around 20 temporary commercial sheds built on the land, with an investment of nearly Rs 10 lakh, were destroyed in the floods.
The family has alleged that they faced intimidation and pressure during the construction of the Bela Bus Stand and that their attempts to raise objections were not acted upon. These allegations have not been independently verified.
They have also questioned how a bus stand reportedly costing around Rs 9 crore, along with several commercial buildings and shops, was allowed to be developed in an area that they claim was identified as a flood-prone or red-zone location.
The family has called for an inquiry into land records, construction approvals, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and the role of the Revenue Department, Municipal Council, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, and other concerned authorities.
Referring to an anti-encroachment drive carried out in 2018, the family has questioned how the same area was later developed with permanent structures if it had previously been treated as government land.
The family has demanded a time-bound inquiry by agencies such as the CBI or ACB into the Bela Colony, Bela Bus Stand, and all constructions along the Darhali river corridor—from Darhali Bridge to Muradpur and Mushaira Bridge—to determine whether any irregularities occurred in granting permissions or approving developments.
Amit Sharma, son of Bhola Ram, who identifies himself as a journalist, alleged that he too faced pressure during the land dispute. He stated that the family is seeking an impartial investigation so that accountability can be fixed if any wrongdoing is established.