Punjab Newsline | Solan
The Deputy Commissioner of Solan has sought a detailed report from all tehsildars regarding properties linked to the Chester Hills case not only in Solan, but also in Kasauli, Parwanoo, and other areas of the district.
In an official communication sent to tehsildars, the DC has directed them to submit complete details of sale deeds and property records within 15 days. The administration has also asked that if any additional properties related to Chester Hills are found in other locations, they should be included in the report, following which a formal investigation will be initiated.
According to the records currently available with the administration, properties linked to the project have already been identified in Solan, Kasauli, and Parwanoo. These properties are reportedly registered in the names of the wife and two sisters of a farmer associated with the case. This finding has already been highlighted in a report by the SDM Solan.
Officials suspect that builders involved in the project may have acquired properties in other locations as well, prompting a wider district-level verification.
Deputy Commissioner Solan, Manmohan Sharma, confirmed that reports have been sought from all tehsildars across the district to map the complete extent of properties linked to Chester Hills. He added that if any additional assets are found, they will be brought under investigation.
About the case
The Chester Hills housing project in Solan is already under scrutiny over alleged irregularities in land purchase and construction. The case involves accusations of violating Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972. Investigations are ongoing into allegations that outside investors allegedly purchased land in the names of local residents and constructed over 600 flats under questionable arrangements.