92-Year-Old War Veteran Captain Chunni Lal Thakur Battles Land Fraud in Rajasthan
A 92-year-old former Indian Army Captain, who has served the nation in numerous conflicts, is now embroiled in what he terms as his "fourth battle." This time, the adversary is not an enemy force but alleged land fraud that has deprived him of his agricultural land in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.
Captain Chunni Lal Thakur, also known as Captain Chunnilal, hails from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. A veteran of the 1962 war with China, the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, and the Kargil conflict, he claims that his 25-bigha agricultural land near Mohangarh in the Indira Gandhi Canal command area was illicitly mortgaged, transferred, and sold using falsified documents and an impersonator.
From Battlefield Hero to Pong Dam Oustee
Captain Thakur's family initially owned fertile land in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, which the government acquired for the Pong Dam project. As part of a rehabilitation scheme for displaced families, the government allotted him irrigated agricultural land in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district.
Upon arrival, the family found the land to be barren desert. Through relentless labor and investment, they transformed the arid land into productive farmland. After retiring, Captain Thakur settled in the Bassi area and regularly received his share of the produce from local cultivators leasing the land. He held the original ownership documents for the property.
The Alleged Fraud
Captain Thakur accuses unidentified individuals of fabricating identity documents, including manipulated Aadhaar records, and employing an impersonator to execute the fraudulent transfer. The impersonator allegedly posed as a 75-year-old, whereas Captain Thakur is over 90 years old.
The land was reportedly registered in another person's name around 16 June 2026, with the mutation completed shortly afterward in late June. The property was allegedly sold or mortgaged for about ₹25 lakh, with the proceeds already distributed. Despite having original documents, authorities allegedly did not conduct proper verification of fingerprints, photographs, or physical presence during registration and mutation processes.
Captain Thakur expressed profound shock and disbelief at the situation, stating:
“When I first arrived there, I found nothing but sand everywhere. Over the years, with great effort, we improved the land… Slowly, the land became productive. However, after so many years of hard work, someone fraudulently sold my land by creating fake documents and using an impersonator. I fail to understand how such a thing could happen.”
Discovery and the Bureaucratic Ordeal
The family discovered the fraudulent registration and mutation through a tenant who informed them. Alarmed, Captain Thakur and his son, Multan Singh Thakur, traveled to Jaisalmer from Himachal Pradesh to seek redress.
They approached several police stations, including Mohangarh, PTM Police Station, and Kotwali Police Station, as well as revenue officials like the Tehsildar and Patwari, reporting the impersonation and requesting cancellation of the mutation. However, they were reportedly informed to approach the court, as the Tehsildar's role was limited to registration. Despite multiple complaints, an FIR was not promptly filed.
The veteran, a heart patient, endured significant physical stress during this process. His son noted a marked decline in Captain Thakur's health, to the point where he was falling asleep while giving fingerprints.
Police Intervention and FIR Registration
After persistent efforts and a meeting with Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare, an FIR was registered at the City Kotwali Police Station under sections related to fraud and cheating. Additional Superintendent of Police Revatdan confirmed the case registration and investigation. The SP assured the family of due legal process and that Captain Thakur would regain his land.
The “Fourth Battle” and Appeals for Justice
Captain Thakur regards this struggle as his fourth battle, after fighting in three major wars for his country. His son, Multan Singh Thakur, emphasized their resolve, stating:
“My father has fought three wars for the country, and this is the fourth war he is fighting to protect his land. He is 90 years old… We are the sons of a soldier. We are not going to run away or give up.”
Captain Thakur has requested that the case be transferred to Himachal Pradesh to facilitate his attendance at hearings given his age and health. He stated:
“I am over 90 years old. Therefore, I humbly request that my case be transferred to Himachal Pradesh so that I can attend the hearings more easily and pursue justice.”
The family has also sought assistance from the Himachal Pradesh government, having incurred substantial expenses in pursuing the case. Retired Sergeant Lalaram Chaudhary, who has been assisting the veteran, has called for swift justice, highlighting the sacrifices soldiers make and the need for the administration to protect their rights.
Broader Concerns
The case has spotlighted potential vulnerabilities in land registration processes, particularly inadequate verification mechanisms that might permit impersonation and forgery. This is especially prevalent when original owners are distant or from vulnerable groups like Pong Dam oustees and retired armed forces personnel. Observers note that land brokers often target such families, exploiting their distance and unfamiliarity with local administrative systems.
As of 12 July 2026, the investigation continues, with the family determined in their quest for justice, seeking a resolution that restores Captain Thakur's land and honors his legacy as a veteran who served in multiple national conflicts.
Though justice may be delayed, this 92-year-old soldier remains steadfast, fighting for his land and honor with the same resolve he once showed on the battlefield.
