Muzaffarpur/Patna: The district administration has taken action against Bochahan Revenue Officer Jitendra Kumar Mahto following complaints of alleged negligence and irregularities in mutation and other revenue-related work.
Muzaffarpur District Magistrate has constituted a three-member inquiry team to review mutation cases and other revenue work carried out during Mahto’s tenure. His salary has also been withheld until further orders.
The action follows complaints received from public representatives and local residents regarding alleged irregularities in revenue work at Bochahan circle.
Three-Member Team to Examine Revenue Work
The inquiry team comprises the Additional Collector, Departmental Inquiry, Muzaffarpur; Sub-Divisional Officer, Muzaffarpur East; and Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Muzaffarpur East.
The team has been directed to conduct a detailed examination of mutation and other revenue-related work handled during the revenue officer’s tenure and submit its report within one week.
The Bochahan Circle Officer has been instructed to provide all necessary assistance to the inquiry team.
Mutation Approved Despite Objection and Pending Court Case
According to the district administration, one of the cases under scrutiny involves 15 decimals of land in Jhaphan Mauza.
An online objection had reportedly been filed by a person in connection with the mutation of the land. A related case concerning the same property was also pending before a court.
Despite the objection and pending litigation, the revenue officer allegedly approved the mutation case.
The District Magistrate has sought an explanation from Mahto, asking him to clarify the basis on which the mutation was approved despite the online objection and pending court proceedings.
Seven Days Given to Submit Explanation
The revenue officer has been directed to submit his explanation within seven days of receiving the notice.
The administration has warned that if the explanation is not submitted within the stipulated period, or if it is found unsatisfactory, a report will be sent to the concerned department for initiating disciplinary proceedings.
Salary Withheld Until Further Orders
Along with seeking an explanation, the District Magistrate has ordered that the salary of Jitendra Kumar Mahto remain withheld until further orders.
The administration has said that negligence, laxity or irregularities in revenue-related work will not be tolerated.
Further action will be decided after the inquiry team submits its report.
