No FIR in Cheeka tree-cutting, soil theft case a week after SIT recommendation
Even a week after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) recommended registering an FIR against two individuals in the Cheeka tree-cutting and soil excavation case, the local police have yet to act. The delay continues despite a formal complaint being filed by the Cheeka Municipal Committee (MC) Secretary on July 9.
The case pertains to alleged illegal felling of 16 trees and unauthorised excavation of soil from MC-owned land, causing a financial loss estimated between Rs 18–22 lakh. The land had been leased out without public notification, raising concerns about transparency and fund usage. The complaint was originally lodged by Bhag Singh, a resident of Tatiana village, on December 24, 2024, via the CM Window.
A three-member SIT confirmed the allegations in a report submitted earlier this month, clearly identifying two individuals involved. “We have submitted a formal complaint to the police to register an FIR, as the SIT clearly identified two persons involved in the matter. Now, it is up to the police to take action,” said an MC official on condition of anonymity.
However, Cheeka SHO Inspector Balbir Singh claimed that the MC had not provided the necessary documents. “A sub-inspector visited the MC office to collect the required documents, but the officials failed to provide them. We have now issued a written request to the Secretary to submit the necessary records,” he said.
Superintendent of Police Astha Modi echoed this, stating, “They sent an incomplete report and the police have asked the MC authorities to send a complete report. We will take action as the complete report is submitted.”
Records show that the MC conducted an internal inquiry and submitted a report on March 18 confirming the illegal acts. A formal police complaint was filed on March 21, followed by a reminder on April 1.
Confirming administrative follow-up, SDM Guhla Capt Pramesh Singh (retd.) said, “We have recommended registration of an FIR to the police. The MC will submit a complete SIT report to the police after it gets an ink-signed copy of the report.”
Haryana Tribune