Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Probe Flags Nine Suspected Benami Deals Near Gaggal Airport
Officials are investigating land deals near a planned airport expansion.
They suspect that nine transactions may have used hidden or proxy owners.
Four criminal cases have been registered.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared this information with the state Assembly.
The investigation began after concerns were raised by MLA Rakesh Kalia.
The allegations involve people buying land from poorer families at low prices.
They allegedly later sought more money when the government acquired the land for the airport project.
The investigation is still examining what happened.
A special investigation team identified nine suspected benami land transactions near the proposed Gaggal airport expansion.
Four criminal cases have been registered so far, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told the Vidhan Sabha.
The probe concerns alleged irregularities in land transactions around Gaggal airport in Kangra district.
The investigation followed concerns raised by Congress MLA Rakesh Kalia during the previous Assembly session.
Allegations claim some buyers purchased land from poor and ordinary families cheaply before seeking higher compensation during acquisition.
- Who
- A special investigation team, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Congress MLA Rakesh Kalia are involved in the reported developments.
- What
- The SIT flagged nine suspected benami land transactions and registered four criminal cases.
- When
- The chief minister informed the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday; the probe followed concerns raised during the previous Assembly session.
- Where
- Around Gaggal airport and nearby areas in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- The investigation is examining alleged irregularities involving land purchases and compensation linked to the proposed airport expansion.
- Investigation body
- Special investigation team (SIT)
- Suspected transactions
- Nine benami deals
- Criminal cases
- Four registered so far
- Project
- Proposed expansion of Gaggal airport
- District
- Kangra district
- Issue under investigation
- Alleged irregularities in land purchases and compensation
- Assembly disclosure
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the Vidhan Sabha