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Land dispute with The Great Khali: HP govt orders restraining Paonta Sahib tehsildar from exercising land registration powers

Khali lodged his complaint with Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma last Friday.

3 min readChandigarhDec 9, 2025 11:16 AM IST

Khali lodged his complaint with Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma last Friday. (File)

The Himachal Pradesh government Monday issued orders restraining Paonta Sahib Tehsildar (Revenue Officer) Rishab Sharma from exercising land registration powers, following a property dispute involving former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dalip Singh Rana, popularly known as The Great Khali.

A probe has been marked to Paonta Sahib SDM Gunjeet Singh Cheema, who has been directed to investigate the matter and submit a report within two weeks. Khali had filed a complaint alleging that certain individuals, in connivance with local revenue officials, had fraudulently registered 16 bighas of land at Bata Mandi— that originally belonged to his father, Jwala Ram—under the name of an ex-serviceman, Barinder Singh. Jwala Ram had purchased the land in 2013.

Khali lodged his complaint with Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma last Friday.

Deputy Commissioner Verma told The Indian Express, “The state government has issued orders restraining Paonta Sahib Tehsildar Rishab Sharma from executing land registration powers in the capacity of sub-registrar. The action follows allegations by Great Khali, who approached my office regarding a piece of land registered in his father’s name. The SDM has been asked to conduct a probe within two weeks. Although we have not yet received a written complaint from the other party, the SDM will record statements of all involved during the investigation.”

Sources said, “While Khali personally met senior officials and levelled allegations against local revenue officers, the written complaint was filed by his father, Jwala Ram. After meeting the Deputy Commissioner, Khali also addressed the media. Considering the nature of the issue, the state government decided to restrain the Tehsildar from performing land registration and mutation duties as Sub-Registrar. Ex-serviceman Barinder Singh will also be summoned to record his statement.”

Tehsildar Rishab Sharma was not available for comment despite repeated attempts; he did not respond to calls or messages. Khali is a native of Dhiraina village in Ronhat sub-tehsil of Sirmaur.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Khali said, “My father Jwala Ram is the owner of 16 bighas of land. Last month, we learned that the khasra number where our land is located had been mutated in the name of one Barinder Singh, an ex-serviceman. We have been requesting revenue officials to register the mutation for a long time, but the opposite party got it done within days. I have urged the district administration for an impartial probe. I will also meet the Chief Minister and other officials in Shimla in the coming days.”

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Khali further asserted that the land was originally registered in a woman’s name in 2005 and his family acquired ownership through due legal process. His father lawfully purchased the land from her in 2013, he said. Despite these records, he alleged, the Tehsildar, Kanungo and Patwari were “misusing their official positions” and attempting to take over the land in collusion with property dealers.

On Friday, Tehsildar Rishabh Sharma had rejected the allegations.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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