'Enemy properties' in Telangana pegged at Rs 10K cr: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay

Hyderabad: Union minister of state for home affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar estimated that Telangana has Rs 10,000 crore worth of 'Enemy Properties' and directed officials to submit a report on these properties by the end of March.

He has directed officials to complete the review of records and the ground survey related to 'enemy properties' under the protection of the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) by the end of March.

On Saturday, Sanjay conducted a review meeting in Hyderabad, regarding 'enemy properties' in the districts of Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Kothagudem, and Vikarabad.

He also inquired about the progress made since the last review in November.

The meeting was attended by CEPI officials from Delhi, Mumbai, Telangana Revenue Principal Secretary and CCLA Naveen Mittal, the minister’s personal secretary Andra Vamsi, Ranga Reddy District Collector Narayana Reddy, and revenue divisional officers from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Vikarabad.

During the meeting, Bandi Sanjay initially sought details about 'enemy properties' in Ranga Reddy district, particularly in Kotwal Guda and Miyapur, which comprise hundreds of acres.

Ranga Reddy District Collector Narayana Reddy provided an update on the progress, survey number-wise, noting that some properties had been encroached upon and others were occupied by farmers.

The minister emphasised the need to ensure justice for farmers who had held possession for years while simultaneously preventing government land from being encroached upon. He instructed officials to complete the survey and record verification by the end of March and submit a report.

Regarding 'enemy properties' in Bakaram, Hyderabad, officials reported that out of a disputed 25,503 square yards, 5,578 square yards fall under 'enemy properties', with 20 families currently occupying the land for residential and commercial purposes. Similarly, in Rikab Gunj, Bahadurpura, 3,300 square yards of 'enemy property' were identified in survey numbers 710-724 and 778-784. Officials also mentioned a plot registered under DS Dyodi Galib, which lacked identifiable survey numbers and location details. In response, the Union Minister directed a joint inspection by CEPI and state revenue officials, followed by a detailed report.

Additionally, in Palwancha, Kothagudem district, 40 acres of agricultural 'enemy property' in survey numbers, 126/111 and 126/112 were reportedly occupied by some farmers. The minister ordered an inquiry by CEPI officials in coordination with district revenue authorities to resolve the issue.

Resolve 'enemy property' disputes under Section 8A

Bandi Sanjay also reviewed the 'enemy property' dispute in Allampalli, Vikarabad district, involving 17.22 acres in survey numbers 426, 427, and 428. Officials reported that the land was occupied by the Shubhaprada Patel Nooli family, with 2.18 acres acquired by the railway department for a railway line.

The minister sought clarification from CEPI officials on the legal provisions applicable for such disputes. CEPI officials explained that under Section 8A, individuals who unknowingly purchased enemy properties, legal heirs of original owners, and leaseholders could apply for regularisation. The minister directed officials to resolve these disputes promptly in accordance with Section 8A.

CEPI branch office to be established in Hyderabad soon

The government has decided to establish branch offices of CEPI in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. Currently, 'enemy property' matters in these states are overseen by the Mumbai office. To enhance efficiency, the central government has decided to set up regional offices, including one in Hyderabad.

What are 'enemy properties'?

Following the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, the Indian government designated properties belonging to individuals who migrated to Pakistan or China and acquired citizenship there as 'enemy properties'. The Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) was entrusted with their protection.

There are approximately 13,000 'enemy properties' across 21 states and 2 Union Territories, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. These properties hold a market value worth thousands of crores. Under Section 8A of the Enemy Property Act, the central government has the authority to sell these properties. However, many of these properties have been illegally occupied or are entangled in legal disputes. The review meeting chaired by Bandi Sanjay Kumar focused on resolving these disputes.