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BJP Demands High Court Judge Inquiry Into Chester Hills Project

The demand steps up pressure on the state to act on an SDM report that alleged a benami setup to evade land rules.

Overview

  • The Himachal BJP called for a probe by a sitting High Court judge into alleged irregularities in the Chester Hills housing project in Solan.
  • Party leaders also announced statewide protests across all 68 assembly segments to press for action in the case.
  • An SDM inquiry found the project used a benami arrangement that kept land in an agriculturist’s name while out‑of‑state promoters ran the development, which Section 118 of state law is meant to prevent.
  • The SDM flagged rapid purchases of about 275 bighas, valued near ₹47.09 crore, and urged Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax scrutiny over a mismatch with declared incomes.
  • Officiating Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta held a press meet dismissing the findings as flawed, as the Chief Minister said the government would review the matter and act if wrongdoing is proven.