When asked, Gopalgunj ADM Parmanand Singh confirmed that the land was not transferable and if it happened, then it was wrong. “We will hold a probe and suitable action would be taken,” he said.

Hathua SDO, Parmeshwar Ram, too, said that if the settlements were wrong then they would be cancelled. “Rules have it that preference should be given to SC, ST and EBC members. If the transfer of government land in Gulab Rai and Sudish Yadav’s name is found wrong, then it will be cancelled,” he said. Asked about the work being forcefully stopped by Lalu’s brother, he said that the railways has not complained so far, and they would act as soon as it is brought to their notice.

Railways authorities refused to speak over the issue, saying that the state Government deals with land acquisition. “We pay money for the acquired land to the state Government which then transfers it to the land owner. We are not involved,” said a railway officer.