Representative Image.
Ferozepur, Punjab: A World War II-era airstrip in Fattuwala village, once used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, has been officially restored to the Ministry of Defence after being fraudulently sold off nearly three decades ago.
The land scam came to light 28 years later, thanks to the persistent efforts of a retired revenue officer, Nishan Singh, and a recent FIR has been registered against two accused, Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand, for forgery, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.
Also Read | Priyadarshini Mattoo Murder Case: Delhi HC Seeks Fresh Review Over Convict’s “Reformation”
Located near the Pakistan border, the airstrip served as a strategic Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) for the IAF during wartime operations. Despite its military significance, the airstrip was allegedly sold to private individuals in 1997 through forged documents and in connivance with local revenue officials.
According to Ferozepur police, the FIR was filed at Kulgarhi police station under IPC Sections 419 (impersonation), 420 (cheating), 465 and 467 (forgery), 471 (use of forged documents), and 120-B (criminal conspiracy). The accused, identified as Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand, originally from Demniwala village, are currently residing in Delhi.
The incident first surfaced when Nishan Singh, a retired revenue official, filed a complaint with the Vigilance Bureau several years ago. Though a preliminary inquiry was initiated, no concrete action followed. Frustrated by the inaction, Singh took the matter to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
On December 21, 2023, the court directed the Ferozepur deputy commissioner to complete the investigation within six months. The deputy commissioner eventually submitted a report affirming that the land still appeared under IAF’s possession as per 1958-59 revenue records.
However, Singh contested the findings, alleging that critical details had been omitted and that fraudulent mutations had taken place in 2001 to transfer ownership to private parties.
Back in 2021, the Halwara Air Force Station commandant had also written to the Ferozepur administration requesting a formal probe, but it took the district authorities nearly five years to act decisively.
Also Read | “Till Last Breath”: Najeeb’s Mother To Approach Supreme Court, Alleges Negligence
In May 2025, after an internal administrative review, the land was officially restored to the Ministry of Defence.
“The land, historically significant for its military use, had been fraudulently sold, and the truth only emerged due to sustained pressure and legal action,” Nishan Singh told reporters.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police officials have indicated that further arrests may follow.
