Retired Army officer who fought three wars is now fighting to save his ‘fraudulently’ sold land in Rajasthan

Retired Army Officer Who Fought Three Wars Fights to Save Rajasthan Land

Theindiapostdaily.com – Retired Army officer who fought three wars, Captain Chunnilal, is now embroiled in a legal battle to reclaim land in Rajasthan that he claims was fraudulently sold. At 92 years old, the veteran, who served in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak conflicts, alleges that his family’s property in Jaisalmer was transferred without his consent. The land, originally a fertile plot near Himachal Pradesh, was seized for the Pong Dam project, leading to a promise of compensation in Rajasthan. However, Chunnilal asserts that the promised land was barren and unsuitable for agriculture, while the sale of his asset was completed using forged documents and an impersonator.

Land Seizure and Compensation Promises

Chunnilal’s account, shared with news agency ANI, reveals his deep concern over the government’s actions. “After retiring, I came to Bassi, and my family’s land was taken for the Pong Dam,” he said. The officer was initially assured that displaced families would receive equivalent land in Rajasthan as compensation. Yet, he argues that the actual allotment fell far short of the promised value. “We were given a plot of sand, and it took years of hard work to turn it into arable land,” he explained. “Now, the government has taken that away through fraudulent means.”

“Our family had nurtured that land for generations, and it became our source of livelihood,” Chunnilal added. “But when we learned it was registered on June 16 and mutated on June 22, we knew something was wrong.”

Legal Battles and Jurisdictional Confusions

Chunnilal’s son, Multan Singh Thakur, highlighted the emotional weight of the case. “My father has fought three wars for the country, and now this is his fourth battle—this time against the loss of his land,” Thakur stated. The family first approached the Mohangarh Police Station, only to be redirected to the PTM Police Station, which claimed jurisdiction over the matter. Later, they were referred to Kotwali Police Station, where the land registration allegedly took place.

“We informed the Tehsildar and Patwari that someone had impersonated my father during the process,” Thakur said. “The fake individual claimed to be 75, while my father is 90. Despite his age and heart condition, he remains determined to fight this battle.”

Authorities have since registered a case at Kotwali Police Station, with investigations underway. Additional Superintendent of Police Revatdan confirmed that the officer’s claim is being taken seriously. “We are examining the forged documents and verifying the identity of the person who registered the property,” he said. However, the Tehsildar initially resisted canceling the mutation, stating their role was limited to registration.

Legacy of Service and Current Struggles

The case has drawn attention to the personal sacrifices of military veterans. Chunnilal, who has dedicated his life to defending the nation, now faces the challenge of protecting his family’s property. His determination underscores the emotional and financial toll of the dispute. “My father is a heart patient, yet he still walks to the police station every day to assert his rights,” Thakur said. “This isn’t just about land—it’s about honoring his service and ensuring justice for his family.”

“He fought for his country, and now he’s fighting for his land,” said a neighbor who has supported the family’s efforts. “It’s a heartening story of resilience.”

Chunnilal’s struggle also highlights the complexities of land acquisition processes. While the Pong Dam project has brought infrastructure and economic benefits to the region, the displacement of families and the subsequent fraudulent sales have sparked debates about transparency and accountability. The officer’s case has become a symbol of the challenges faced by elderly veterans, who often lack the resources to navigate bureaucratic hurdles.

Next Steps and Community Support

With the legal case ongoing, Chunnilal and his family are seeking further assistance. They plan to approach the Rajasthan government for intervention, arguing that the land sale was