Key Takeaways:

• Land had been recorded as Lose Jungle, grazing and public land
• Officials at Land Revenue and Survey offices accused of collusion
• Review found land still recorded under Government of Nepal; no valid transfer documents from 2027 BS
• Police directed to prosecute fraud and forgery under Penal Code

RAUTAHAT, JULY 25 The Rautahat District Administration has annulled the illegal registration of more than 30 bighas of government land in the names of 40 individuals, ordering the property restored to state ownership and initiating legal action against those involved. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal on Wednesday. The administration also cancelled all land records created in the names of the 40 individuals and directed fraud and forgery cases against those found responsible. The disputed land - 30 bighas, 4 katthas and 7 dhurs in Fatuwa Bijayapur Municipality–10 - had long been recorded as Lose Jungle, grazing land and public property. Officials said it was illegally subdivided and registered in private names in collusion with staff at the Land Revenue and Survey offices. The investigation followed a complaint by locals including Prem Chaudhary, alleging encroachment and misuse of public land. A review of records under the Local Administration Act, 2028 and Land Revenue Act, 2034 confirmed the land remained registered under the Government of Nepal. No official decision or supporting document from 2027 BS - cited as the basis for transfer - could be found in either the Land Revenue Office or computerised records. Following the decision, the Land Revenue Office in Chandranigahapur has been ordered to cancel illegal ownership records and update government land records. Fatuwa Bijayapur Municipality has been instructed to demarcate the land and remove encroachments, while the District Police Office will investigate and prosecute those involved under the National Penal Code. The Division Forest Office has also been directed to conserve the historic Lose Jungle. Officials described the move as part of ongoing efforts to recover encroached public land and hold those responsible accountable.