Since the DMK party assumed power, concerns about law and order have been on the rise in the state, with allegations of land grabbing and other mischievous activities. The latest scandal involves Pachaiyappan, a DMK functionary and the Union Committee Vice President for Thirukkalukkunram, whose involvement in an alleged land encroachment case has sparked outrage among local residents and officials.
Pachaiyappan, a member of the DMK party, originates from Meyur situated in Chathurangapatnam, adjacent to Kalpakkam. He currently holds the position of Vice President in the DMK Union Committee for the Thirukkalukkunram region. Pachaiyappan possesses a parcel of land covering a few acres near the Thirukkalukkunram area, precisely in Keerappakkam, which is in close proximity to Chengalpattu road.
Reportedly, Pachaiyappan had entrusted this land to another DMK functionary, Jayapal, who serves as the 11th ward DMK councilor within the same union committee. This arrangement was put in place some years ago, with the intention of Jayapal selling the land for residential development on a commission basis.
Trouble began when the land was converted into a housing complex, and it was reported that a portion of the complex encroached upon government-owned barren land. This encroachment became a point of contention, leading local residents to lodge a formal complaint with the Thirukkalukunram Tahsildar. Following this complaint, an inspection was carried out, confirming the encroachment on government property.
Subsequently, a notice board was erected at the site, warning potential trespassers of legal consequences. However, this warning was blatantly disregarded by DMK leaders, who removed the board, further escalating the dispute.
Notably, it is also alleged that the drinking water borewell in the nearby Irular (SC/ST) residential area was damaged, along with underground pipes. A formal complaint was lodged with the Village Administrative Officer and Thirukkalukkunram Police, leading to the registration of a CSR.
Repeated requests were made to Pachaiyappan by the Revenue officials to remove the encroachments, but the encroached area remained untouched. Subsequently, Pachaiyappan filled the area with soil and elevated the land using machinery, prompting local residents to protest and halt the work. The incident was reported to the taluk administration.
In light of these developments, Tahsildar Rajeshwari of Thirukkalukunnam issued a formal notice to Pachaiyappan. The notice reads, “The perimeter wall and road erected on Plot No: 94B – 1C1 Government barren land, occupying an area of 20 acres – 69 cents, shall be removed within 15 days as per the Encroachment Act 1905. In case of failure to remove, it will be removed directly in the presence of revenue department officials under police protection.”
This notice has been prominently displayed on the perimeter wall of the encroached area, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. As this legal battle unfolds, local residents, officials, and concerned citizens eagerly await the resolution of this contentious land encroachment case involving a DMK functionary.
(with inputs from Oredesam)
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