Let the law takes its own course in royal properties deal: Dhumal

Shimla, Sept 2 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today said that the law would take its own course in the 'benami' royal properties deal.

The Chief Minister, while replying to a Call Attention Motion raised by some BJP members in the assembly, said that Khub Ram, the purchaser of the royal property and his two accomplices, have been arrested and a case had been registered against them.

On the demand of BJP member Rikhi Ram Kondal that name of the assembly member, who was allegedly involved in the fraud must be disclosed, the CM assured that the rumours of involvement of member of assembly in the deal would be looked into keeping with the sanctity of the the House.

Earlier, the BJP member, Jai Ram said that the matter was serious as along with embezzlement of lakh of rupees, murder of a contractor was also related to the case.

Mr Dhumal said that since the royal properties in Mandi was linked to heritage Mandhaw Rao Temple, it was a matter of concern for the members.

He said that a district revenue officer had also been arrested in the 'Benami' deal. He said that alleged 6646 square meter royal properties had been sold for Rs 18.52 lakh and the deal also included revenue duty of Rs 25,000.

He assured that embezzlement of the revenue duty would be inquired into during the investigation.

On Mohinder Singh Thakur representing Dharmpur, questioning use of General Power of Attorney (GPA) in the land deals, the CM responded that though the GPA was misused to commit the fraud, it was otherwise a universal method being applied in land deals.

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