Louis vows to probe Santhal land deal

Dumka: State welfare minister and local MLA Louis Marandi on Wednesday said that the Raghubar Das government is going to conduct a probe into the purchase of local lands and violation of the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT act) by opposition leaders.
Marandi's statement is being viewed in the backdrop of the opposition parties' protests against the proposed amendment of SPT and Chhotanagpur tenancy act (CNT act)."Those opposing the amendment of both the tenancy laws have themselves acquired vast pieces of land in Dumka and elsewhere in Santhal Pargana at throwaway prices by violating the tenancy laws," Marandi said without naming anyone. Hemant Soren and Babulal Marandi have reportedly acquired local lands at the time when they were at the helm of affairs.
Marandi further said the state government would soon expose them by initiating investigation at the earliest. Marandi clarified that decision to amend the tenancy laws was aimed at bringing transparency in the 'illegal' sale of lands which continued even after the existence of such laws.
"As of now, land owners are compelled to sell their lands at throwaway prices at the time of exigency. With the amendments, they would get five times more than the original amount that they get now," the MLA explained. She added the lands are required for government purposes also.
She also claimed that land owners have often approached the government for suitable amendments in the tenancy act for improving their socio-economic condition.