Pathankot DC gets notice over Madhopur rest house land encroachment; he denies charges

An inquiry was conducted by the commissioner, Jalandhar Division, into the matter. The commissioner has indicated a case of encroachment in the report.

Over-a-century-old Canal Rest House at Madhopur in Punjab’s Pathankot (Photo Credit: Special Arrangement)

The wall of the over-a-century-old Canal Rest House at Madhopur in Punjab’s Pathankot, where Deputy Commissioner Harbir Singh had been residing, was demolished and land worth about Rs 5.50 crore was usurped right under the official’s nose.

According to a fact-finding report, Singh allegedly did not act even after the issue was brought to his notice by the officials of the Department of Water Resources. He also directed an official of the Department of Panchayati Raj to construct another wall on the approach road leading to the rest house, as per the report.

The findings are part of the inquiry conducted by commissioner, Jalandhar Division, into the matter. The commissioner has indicated a case of encroachment in the fact-finding report.

The commissioner was asked to inquire into the issue after the matter was brought to the notice of Chief Secretary Anurag Verma.

After the findings of the inquiry report, the Department of Personnel has issued a show cause notice to Singh. Singh has been given two weeks to reply as to why action should not be initiated against him for the lapses.

The notice said the principal secretary, Department of Water Resources, has brought to the notice of the Government that private persons encroached upon the land of the Canal Rest House at Madhopur.

“Why didn’t the DC take suitable action when the wall of the rest house cum DC Residence /Camp Office was dismantled, particularly when this matter was brought to his notice by the Departmental Officers (SDO Canals Pardeep Kumar)?” read the notice.

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“Why suitable action was not taken before the issue was formally pointed out by the Principal Secretary, Water Resources, and under what circumstances did he direct the XEN, Panchayati Raj, to construct an unauthorised wall/fencing over the land of the Department of Water Resources? Was it to facilitate the unauthorised encroachment by private people?” it added.

It also questioned Singh over allowing private persons to construct the fencing or temporary wall over the land of the Department of Water Resources.

On his part, Singh said all allegations were false.

“No show-cause notice has been issued to me. I have rather been absolved of all the charges by the inquiry. Some people were out to get me and assassinate my character. The inquiry report has stated that all the charges are lies. The inquiry has also found out that the land in question is only worth Rs 6 lakh and not worth crores. That has been proven to be false,” said Singh.

“The government had sent an independent team. They have debunked the lies of the water resources department. But someone wants to keep the issue alive. All this was a concocted story. There were mistakes in the ‘nishandehyi’ (demarcation of land). The allegations were going on but I was not heard. If. They issue me a show cause notice, I will at least get an opportunity to be heard,” he added.

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Constructed during the British era, the 107-year-old rest house is near Shahpur Kandi barrage.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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