Bhubaneswar: Authorities in Odisha’s Malkangiri district have executed a significant administrative crackdown by demolishing extensive illegal constructions on encroached forest land in the Motu tehsil area. The settlement, known as “Islamnagar,” was established by Mohammad Masoom Khan and his brothers during the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government’s tenure. This action comes after sustained scrutiny and multiple investigative reports published in 2024 by Organiser, which exposed the illegal occupation and development of forest land.
Officials reported that the district administration conducted a major eviction drive in the Baribancha and Islamnagar areas following the Orissa High Court’s dismissal of petitions filed by the accused parties. The operation successfully cleared over 22 acres of forest land, which has been restored to government control. Authorities described this as one of the largest anti-encroachment drives in the district in recent years.
Earlier reports by Organiser detailed how forest land in the Motu region was allegedly encroached upon and developed into a full-fledged settlement. These reports raised serious concerns regarding the potential involvement or complicity of the previous administration and government machinery in facilitating the encroachment and subsequent development.
The demolition drive took place on April 5, starting around 9:00 am and concluding at 2:00 pm. It was conducted under the direct supervision of District Collector and District Magistrate Prathmesh Arvind Rajshirke, along with Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil. Extensive security measures were implemented to prevent any incidents, deploying over 100 police personnel at the site.
Heavy machinery, including four JCB excavators, one large excavator, and a Hydra crane, was utilised during the operation. In the presence of Sub-Collector Duryodhan Bhoi, several illegal structures were demolished, including a three-storey building, a medical clinic, a warehouse, and two storage rooms. Additionally, 11 large ponds constructed on forest land were reclaimed by the administration.
Officials confirmed that the land had been encroached upon by three brothers—Mohammad Masoom Khan, Mohammad Hasan Khan, and Mohammad Jamal Khan. The administration has taken strict action against them, seizing all properties found to be illegally occupied.
The accused previously challenged the eviction proceedings in the Orissa High Court by filing three writ petitions (WPC No. 14867/2022, 14868/2022, and 14870/2022). However, the High Court dismissed all petitions. In his judgment, Justice Dr Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi stated that prolonged occupation of government or forest land does not confer ownership rights.
The petitioners claimed that the land was granted to them through a copper plate issued in 1920 by the then ruler of the Jeypore estate, Raja Vikram Dev. However, they failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate this claim in court, and investigations revealed that the individuals were not landless.
Furthermore, under the Forest Rights Act of 2006, claimants must demonstrate residence and dependence on forest land for at least three generations prior to December 13, 2005. The petitioners failed to meet this requirement as well. The court clarified that the land falls under the category of village forest and cannot be leased out to private individuals.
The eviction drive was closely monitored by Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Vedabar Pradhan. Key officials present included SDPO Dibyajyoti Dalei and IIC Arjun Kahar, along with over 100 police personnel. Motu Tehsildar Arjun Pradhan, Deputy Collector Lipina Das, Swyam Raut, Assistant District Magistrate Ajay Mandangi, Har Mahapatra, and Kalimela Tehsildar Satya Narayan Rajguru were also part of the operation.
Support teams from various departments were deployed to ensure the smooth execution of the drive. These included medical teams, Fire Services led by Officer Kamal Gaud, Junior Engineer of Rural Development Prashant Kumar Behera, and personnel from TPSODL (the power distribution company).
The administration’s actions have been widely viewed as a firm step toward safeguarding government property and reinforcing the rule of law. Officials have indicated that similar measures will continue to be taken against illegal encroachments in the future to protect public land and natural resources.
Islam Nagar “Land Jihad” Case Surfaced in 2024: Organiser Published Multiple Investigative Reports
In 2024, a shocking “land jihad” case emerged from Odisha’s Malkangiri district, where allegations surfaced regarding the illegal encroachment of several acres of forest land in the Motu region. During that period, Organiser published a series of detailed investigative reports highlighting the issue and bringing it into the public spotlight.
The controversy centred around the establishment of a settlement named “Islam Nagar” on the encroached forest land. This development raised serious questions about the role of the local administration, with allegations suggesting that the encroachment occurred during the tenure of the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government. This led to concerns over possible collusion, misuse of power, and administrative negligence.
At the time, it was reported that Islam Nagar had been developed illegally in a densely forested area located just 2–3 kilometres from National Highway-326, along the banks of the Saberi River. Access to the settlement was reportedly facilitated by constructing a mud road, and the area was enclosed with wire fencing, indicating organised development activity in what was supposed to be protected forest land.
Serious allegations were raised regarding the misuse of government funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). It was claimed that more than ₹9 lakh was spent on constructing a road to the encroached area. The project reportedly began on April 25, 2022, and details displayed on a signboard at the site hinted at irregularities. These developments triggered concerns about the misuse of public funds and possible collusion between officials and encroachers.
Odisha Land Jihad Case: Mohammad Masoom Khan along with BJD leaders tried to seize illegally 100 acres of forest land
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) October 3, 2024
Further reports indicated that infrastructure development in the area—including buildings, roads, and large ponds—was carried out under various schemes of the state government’s fisheries and agriculture departments. Islam Nagar reportedly featured not only permanent residential structures but also warehouses. Additionally, large transformers installed by the electricity department were found in the area, along with heavy machinery such as JCBs and tractors. Lift irrigation projects funded under government schemes were also said to be operational in the locality.
The extensive use of funds from multiple government schemes led to suspicions that the entire operation may have been conducted with administrative support or at least with the knowledge of officials. This raised broader concerns about systemic lapses and governance failures.
Local social activists and leaders associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the entire episode occurred during the BJD government’s tenure. They claimed that Islam Nagar was established through the illegal occupation of forest land, with the knowledge and support of the authorities.
Adding to the controversy, contradictory statements from government officials further complicated the issue. While the local Tehsildar reportedly classified the land as “protected forest,” the forest department ranger described it as “revenue forest.” Both departments appeared to shift responsibility to each other, leading to administrative ambiguity and delays in action.
During this period, new revelations emerged regarding Mohammad Masoom Khan, who was accused of illegally acquiring government land during the BJD regime and benefiting from multiple government schemes. Under MNREGA, two roads were reportedly constructed for Islam Nagar. Additionally, during the financial year 2022–23, subsidies were provided by the Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Department for pond excavation. According to reports, Masoom Khan’s father, Ismail Khan, received Rs 3.74 lakh, while Masoom Khan himself was granted Rs 5.44 lakh.
Moreover, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Yojana, a pond was constructed in the financial year 2020–21 at a cost of Rs 17 lakh, with a government subsidy of Rs 6.80 lakh reportedly provided to Masoom Khan’s brother. The installation of two large transformers in the area further indicated significant infrastructure development supported by public resources.
National Green Tribunal takes Suo Motu cognisance of illegal occupation of forest land for “Islamnagar” in Malkangiri
https://t.co/hdJh7E62sP— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) November 12, 2024
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had taken suo motu cognizance
The National Green Tribunal had taken suo motu cognizance in this case in November 2024 following a report published in Organiser. This action was based on an article titled “Odisha: Land Jihad in Malkangiri District – Islam Nagar built on 100 acres of forest land in Motu Area,” published on September 30.
