1,200 kanals worth Rs800m: ACE, police spar over land recovery in Charsadda

PESHAWAR: A dispute has emerged between the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) and the police regarding the recovery of government land in Charsadda district.

The police have challenged the authority of ACE, refusing to support what they describe as an “illegal action.” They have raised concerns about procedural violations, highlighting that ACE neither lodged an FIR nor approached the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or District Police Officer (DPO) with a formal report.

The police argue that ACE’s actions lack legal backing, potentially pointing to mala fide intent. On the other hand, ACE claims that their operation stemmed from a complaint by the University of Engineering and Technology (UET).

According to ACE, the complaint alleged that 1,200 kanals of government land worth approximately Rs800 million had been illegally occupied, and the occupants had expressed willingness to surrender the property. ACE asserts that they had requested assistance from the DPO and DC of Charsadda for the recovery process.

However, when the ACE team arrived on site, they were met with resistance from local police, who reportedly deployed personnel to block their entry. ACE claims that despite the obstruction, they attempted to inspect the site but were stopped by the police.

Furthermore, ACE alleges that the police used abusive language and prevented video documentation of the disputed land, accusing the police of inaction and non-cooperation, which delayed the recovery process.

The Charsadda police have strongly contested ACE’s actions, raising serious legal and procedural concerns. According to the police, ACE lacked orders from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) or a civil court warrant to authorise eviction or demarcation of the land. While part of the land lies in Charsadda, the primary parcel under dispute falls within Peshawar’s jurisdiction. The Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Shabqadar informed ACE that no formal demarcation or orders had been issued by the Revenue Department concerning the disputed property.

The police further highlighted that the ACE team did not file an FIR or submit a formal report to the DC or DPO, which they argue is a breach of standard legal procedure. Police officials also accused ACE staff of threatening and abusing a DSP during the incident.

They allege that ACE arrived with demolition machinery without legal authority, further indicating procedural overreach.

The police have cited high court judgments that classify unauthorised actions by government departments on disputed land as criminal trespassing. They argue that ACE bypassed established protocols, including coordination with revenue authorities and obtaining the necessary court or administrative orders.

A spokesman for the ACE said the land in question belongs to UET and was encroached in connivance with local administration being the custodian of the said land. The local administration as per ACE law were found guilty of not using the authority of office and in safeguarding the interest of the state causing loss to the government exchequer. ACE having the jurisdiction of action against government servants involved in misuse of authority who were reluctant rather denying the use of their authority in recovering the said land were proceeded against.