Harassed Senior Citizens Seek Justice at Dehradun Samadhan Diwas; DM Directs Strict Action

92 complaints registered during public grievance redressal meeting; cases involving property disputes, alleged family abuse, pension delays and financial assistance come to the fore

Administration focuses on senior citizens’ protection, education of orphaned children, land fraud and timely delivery of public services

Dehradun, October 12, 2026: Senior citizens facing alleged harassment by their own family members sought justice during the Samadhan Diwas held at the Rishiparna Auditorium in the Dehradun Collectorate on Monday. The public grievance redressal meeting, chaired by District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan, received 92 complaints related to various government departments.

The complaints primarily concerned alleged property grabbing, physical assault, family harassment, pension delays, land disputes and requests for financial assistance. The District Magistrate heard the grievances and directed the concerned officials to take timely, effective and appropriate action in accordance with the rules.

Strict Action Directed in Cases of Alleged Abuse of Senior Citizens

During the meeting, 89-year-old senior citizen Rajan Sood alleged that his son had fraudulently transferred his entire property in his own name through a gift deed. He further alleged that his son had taken Rs 15 lakh from his bank account on the assurance that the money would be used to start a business and that he would be looked after.

According to the complaint, the son was now allegedly assaulting him instead of providing care and was attempting to force him out of his home. Rajan Sood sought the return of his property and money.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the District Magistrate directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Sadar, to register a case under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act and initiate strict action as per the law.

Shambhu Prasad, a 68-year-old resident of Selakui, alleged that his daughter and son-in-law were occupying his house against his wishes with the intention of taking over the property. He also complained of verbal abuse and physical assault. The District Magistrate directed the Circle Officer, Vikasnagar, to take immediate action.

Similarly, senior citizen Hukam Singh, a resident of Jhanjhra, sought protection from the alleged harassment by his elder son and daughter-in-law. The Circle Officer, Premnagar, was instructed to take the necessary action.

Eighty-five-year-old Tek Bahadur Rana also complained of alleged harassment by his two sons and daughters-in-law and sought action to have his sons removed from the property. The District Magistrate directed the Circle Officer, Patel Nagar, to act promptly and provide relief in accordance with the law.

Immediate Payment Ordered in Family Pension Complaint

Prema Devi complained that her family pension had been withheld by the treasury. The District Magistrate directed the Chief Treasury Officer to transfer the pension amount to her bank account on the same day.

He also instructed officials to avoid unnecessary delays in pension-related cases involving senior citizens and to ensure timely payments to eligible beneficiaries.

Assistance Sought for Orphaned Children and Families in Financial Distress

Several complaints highlighted the difficulties faced by economically vulnerable families.

Usha, a widow from Shyampur, said that following the deaths of her husband, son and daughter-in-law, she was raising her orphaned grandchildren. Due to financial hardship, she was struggling to continue their education.

Sahay Ramola, a resident of Maldevta, said that her husband had died after prolonged cancer treatment, leaving her responsible for the upbringing and maintenance of their two young children.

Meanwhile, Mehtab Ali, a resident of Bhuddi village, sought financial assistance for the treatment of a neurological condition.

The complaints highlighted the need for support for vulnerable families facing financial hardship, healthcare expenses and educational challenges.

Land Fraud and Illegal Encroachment Complaints Taken Up

Meena Devi, a resident of Balawala, alleged that a property dealer had sold her 451.67 square metres of land around 10 years ago by showing her a plot bearing an incorrect khasra number. She complained that she had neither received possession of the land nor recovered her money.

Following the District Magistrate’s directions, a case was registered under the land fraud provisions.

Ranveer Singh, a resident of Dalanwala, complained that his neighbour had illegally occupied part of his land and constructed a wall. The SDM was directed to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

Narayan Singh, a resident of Sihniwala village in Vikasnagar, raised the issue of non-payment of compensation for land acquired for the construction of National Highway-72. The District Magistrate instructed the concerned officials to investigate the matter and ensure its resolution in accordance with the rules.

Action Ordered Against Illegal Liquor Sales, Narcotics and Encroachments

Following a complaint about the alleged sale of illegal liquor and intoxicating substances in Ajabpur Kalan, the District Excise Officer was directed to take immediate action.

Residents of Shastri Nagar also complained about problems arising from liquor, meat and fish shops in a residential area, along with encroachment on a public pathway and unauthorised construction. The Additional District Magistrate was instructed to ensure effective action.

Monthly Electricity and Water Bills, Timely Pensions and Better Civic Services

The District Magistrate directed officials to personally verify complaints registered on the CM Helpline at the ground level and resolve them based on the actual situation.

He emphasised that grievance redressal should result in tangible relief rather than remain a formality.

He also instructed the concerned agencies to issue electricity and water bills every month instead of sending bills for two or three months together, thereby preventing an additional financial burden on consumers.

Other priorities included timely disbursement of social and family pensions, faster repairs of streetlights and roads, and the prompt completion of disaster relief and restoration works.

Departments Directed to Expedite Disaster Restoration Works

The District Magistrate stated that funds had been released to the concerned departments for the reconstruction and repair of infrastructure damaged by disasters.

He directed officials to utilise the available funds effectively and complete the works promptly while maintaining quality standards.

Pending cases related to e-Office, the CM Helpline and public services were also to be resolved on priority.

The District Magistrate reiterated that sensitivity, accountability and timely action were essential responsibilities of every government official in addressing public grievances.

Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) K.K. Mishra, District Development Officer Sunil Kumar, District Education Officer Prem Lal Bharti, District Supply Officer K.K. Agrawal, Chief Agriculture Officer Devendra Rana and other district-level officials attended the meeting.