Overview
- CPI(M) leaders called for a Special Investigation Team and the removal of the chief secretary, citing alleged illegal land purchases in the 275-bigha Chester Hills project in Solan.
- Party figures pointed to an SDM inquiry that flagged benami properties and said a senior official stalled action, while also alleging violations of Section 118 that limits land buys by non-residents.
- Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta denied any link to the project, said RERA had approved it before his tenure, and noted that the Solan deputy commissioner is reviewing the SDM’s findings.
- Gupta said a lobby of former officers is running a smear campaign and defended a separate land purchase in Kharar as cleared by the government with proper documents.
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said he would act if probes confirm irregularities, as BJP lawmakers pressed the issue in the assembly and sought a clear response from the government.