The Delhi High Court today referred to the city Lokayukta to probe into allegation that sitting Okhla MLA Asif Mohammed Khan has grabbed a vast piece of DDA land and is running an illegal zoo over it.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw referred the matter to Lokauykta, while also asking the DDA to take steps to take back his land from the Okhla MLA.
"We direct DDA to take suitable action against Khan to take back the land. The matter should be referred to Lokayukta who will initiate an inquiry," said the court.
The court also directed the wildlife department to inspect the alleged zoo and take action against Khan under the Wild Life Protection Act if any protected animal was found there.
"For keeping protected animals and birds in the zoo illegally, the Wild Life Preservation director is directed to carry out immediate inspection of the zoo and make surprise visits later under the Wild Life Protection Act," the bench said taking note of petitioner's argument that some deers, peacocks and other animals are kept in the MLA's zoo.
While hearing the plea against Khan, the bench earlier had directed DDA to produce the land records of 5 bighas of land, allegedly encroached by Khan at Jasola village in South East Delhi.
The plea was filed by one Kamran Siddiqi, who sought registration of a criminal case against the legislator on charges of criminal trespass and encroachment of land.
Accusing the MLA of misusing his power, the petitioner said the court should direct the police to take action against his as he violated the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and also the Wild Life Protection Act.