Kishanganj: The purchase of nearly seven acres of land by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi in Bihar’s border district of Kishanganj has sparked questions after the government announced plans to establish an Army station in the area. Several farmers who sold their land claim they were told the land would be used for a medical college, hospital, factory and sports academy, but now fear those promises may not materialise.
The controversy centres around Bhelaguri village in Thakurganj block, located near the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor. The area has witnessed a surge in land transactions in recent months, with investors from outside Bihar reportedly purchasing large tracts of land.
Farmers Say They Were Promised Development Projects
Farmer Muzaffar Alam, one of the land sellers, said he sold around two acres after being assured that the project would bring education and employment opportunities to the region.
“We were told a medical college, factory and other institutions would be built here. Our children would study nearby and local youth would get jobs. Believing that, we sold about 95 acres collectively at around Rs 12 lakh per acre. Now we are hearing that an Army station will come up here,” Alam said.
Another farmer, Jay Prakash Das, claimed that the land was purchased in phases around seven to eight months ago on the promise of establishing a medical college and sports academy.
“We supported the project because it would have benefited future generations and boosted the local economy. The Army is important for national security, but the expectations with which villagers sold their land may not be fulfilled if the proposed institutions are not built,” he said.
Local resident Ghulam Naqbani alleged that around 40 to 50 farmers from three villages sold land at approximately Rs 12 lakh per acre. He said residents had expected educational and healthcare infrastructure that would create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Strategic Importance of the Area
Bhelaguri is located about two kilometres from the Siliguri Corridor, the narrow stretch connecting India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. Surrounded by Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, the region is considered strategically significant from a national security perspective.
According to official records, the process of identifying land for the proposed Army station began in September 2025. Around 189.68 acres have been earmarked for possible acquisition, although the acquisition process has not yet been completed.
Spike in Land Registrations
Documents reviewed by media indicate that land registrations accelerated between February and April 2026 while administrative procedures related to the proposed Army station were underway.
Between January and April 2026, seven buyers from outside Bihar reportedly purchased around 95 acres through 24 registered transactions. Registry documents show that Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi purchased approximately 7.18 acres through nine sale deeds.
The other reported buyers include Mohammad Salman Khan, Mohammad Sultan, Mohammad Suleman Khan, Mohammad Anas, Mohammad Shamim Jasola and Tarkeel Ahmad. Registry records indicate that these seven buyers together own approximately 70.91 acres in the area.
Some local residents have also alleged that an additional 20 acres were donated to the MP by a local district council member. However, no documentary confirmation of this claim has been made public, and the individual concerned could not be reached for comment.
Questions Over Purpose of Land Purchase
According to registry records, Imran Pratapgarhi listed his occupation as “Agriculture” and “Member of Parliament.” However, there has been no public statement from the MP explaining the purpose of the land purchase.
The issue has drawn attention because the purchases reportedly coincided with the government’s ongoing administrative process for the proposed Army station.
Officials Clarify Acquisition Process Is Not Final
Sub-Registrar Dr Kumar Dinbandhu said the registration office merely records property transactions and does not determine how the land will ultimately be used.
Thakurganj Circle Officer Mrityunjay Kumar said the land acquisition process is still at the preliminary stage.
“Survey, verification and initial inquiries are currently underway. The final acquisition has not yet been approved, and it is still to be decided which specific plots will be acquired and how much land will ultimately be required for the Army station,” he said.
Kishanganj District Magistrate Naveen Kumar also clarified that the government has not yet finalised the land to be acquired for the proposed Army station. As a result, there is currently no restriction on private land transactions in Bhelaguri village.
No public response from Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi regarding the allegations or the purpose of the land purchase was available at the time of publication.
