Land Grab in Amchang Sanctuary: APW Links Encroachment to Badruddin Ajmal

The Assam Public Works (APW), a prominent socio-economic organization in the state, on Friday raised serious concerns over alleged illegal occupation of government land within the eco-sensitive zone of the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonapur.

The organisation revealed that large tracts of land were quietly encroached upon last year and urged authorities to launch a full-scale investigation.

According to information shared by APW, in 2023, several bighas of land were reportedly taken over in the name of a private firm, ‘MS Euraka Construction’. The encroachment was allegedly carried out by Selim Ahmed, who is reportedly the brother-in-law of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief and former MP Badruddin Ajmal.

APW said that concrete boundary walls were built on the land, and not only that, a large transformer was even installed and electricity connections were set up, suggesting that preparations were being made for full-scale development or settlement. Locals say this activity happened without any public notice or government clearance.

What has further raised suspicion is that the land in question falls under a reserved forest area marked as an “Eco-Sensitive Zone,” where any kind of commercial activity or construction is highly restricted. Residents and activists now fear that several influential people may be behind the alleged land grab.

APW also alleged that during the sale or registration of the land, some government officials and staff from earlier postings may have played a role in facilitating these transactions, especially since the land is marked as non-cadastral – meaning it doesn’t fall under regular land survey records and cannot be legally sold or developed.

At present, the site at Patarkuchi in Sonapur is in a half-built, abandoned condition. The gate, which is now covered with weeds and vines, hints at attempts to hide the activities from public view. People in the area say the entrance is sealed and the place is under lock and key.

Local residents also claim that the land was earlier used as a public cremation ground for the village. However, over time, the plot was fenced off completely, and people associated with Selim Ahmed allegedly began occupying it.

Speaking to Pratidin Time, a visibly distressed local resident said, “Ajmal has taken over our cemetery land. Where will we bury our dead now? This was our only public cemetery. We are poor, we don't have the means to build another one. He has to return this land to us.”

Another local man added,“For the last two to three years, Selim Ahmed, who we hear is related to Ajmal, has taken control of this land. How he got the permission to build a wall here, inside a protected forest zone, is still a mystery to us. Ever since the wall went up, we haven't been able to access the cemetery at all.”

So far, there has been no government probe into the matter. No notices, evictions, or inquiries have been launched, and locals worry that the silence from the authorities could mean the land grab is being quietly overlooked.

APW has expressed concern that without immediate action, the illegal occupation could become permanent. They have urged the authorities to initiate a proper inquiry into the matter, suggesting that a full investigation may expose a much larger land scam involving powerful names. Locals in Dimoria are hopeful that the land will be freed from illegal possession and restored to its rightful status.

Also Read: Is Assam’s Indigenous Identity Under Threat? CM Links Land Grabs to Vote Politics