A 92-year-old retired Indian Army Captain who served the nation with distinction in multiple conflicts is now engaged in what he describes as his “fourth battle” — this time not against enemy forces on the battlefield, but against alleged land fraud that has stripped him of his hard-earned agricultural property in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district.
Captain Chunni Lal Thakur (also referred to as Captain Chunnilal), a resident of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh and a veteran of the 1962 war with China, the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, as well as service during the Kargil conflict, has alleged that his 25-bigha agricultural land near Mohangarh in the Indira Gandhi Canal command area was fraudulently mortgaged, transferred, and sold using forged documents and an impersonator.
From Battlefield Hero to Pong Dam Oustee
Captain Thakur’s family originally possessed fertile agricultural land in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. This land was acquired by the government for the construction of the Pong Dam. As part of the rehabilitation scheme for displaced families (oust ees), the government allotted him irrigated agricultural land in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.
When the family first arrived at the allotted plot, it was largely barren desert land covered in sand. Over the years, through persistent hard work and investment, they transformed the arid patch into productive agricultural land. Captain Thakur, who had settled in the Bassi area after retirement, regularly received his share of the produce from local cultivators who worked the land on lease. He possessed the original ownership documents for the property.
The Alleged Fraud
According to Captain Thakur and his family, unidentified individuals prepared forged identity documents — including manipulated Aadhaar-related records — and used an impersonator to execute the fraudulent transfer. The impersonator reportedly posed as a 75-year-old man, while Captain Thakur is over 90 years of age.
The land was allegedly registered in another person’s name on or around 16 June 2026, with the mutation completed shortly thereafter (reports cite dates around 22–26 June). The property is said to have been sold or mortgaged for approximately ₹25 lakh, with the proceeds reportedly already distributed. Despite the presence of original documents in the veteran’s possession, no proper verification of fingerprints, photographs, or physical presence of the genuine owner appears to have been conducted by the concerned authorities during the registration and mutation process.
Captain Thakur has expressed profound shock and dismay at the development. In his words:
“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.”
#WATCH | Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: A 92-year-old retired Indian Army officer, Captain Chunnilal, who fought in the 1962 war with China and the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, has alleged that his land in Jaisalmer district was fraudulently mortgaged, transferred, and sold without… pic.twitter.com/XzkiMuAGQz
The family learnt of the fraudulent registration and mutation through a tenant/cultivator who alerted them. Shocked by the development, Captain Thakur, accompanied by his son Multan Singh Thakur, travelled from Himachal Pradesh to Jaisalmer to seek redress.
The family approached multiple police stations — first Mohangarh, then PTM Police Station, and subsequently Kotwali Police Station — as well as revenue officials including the Tehsildar and Patwari. They informed the authorities about the impersonation and requested cancellation of the mutation. However, they were reportedly told that the Tehsildar’s role was limited to registration and that they should approach the court. An FIR was not registered promptly despite repeated complaints.
The veteran, who is a heart patient, endured significant physical strain during these efforts. His son stated that Captain Thakur’s health deteriorated markedly, to the extent that he was falling asleep even while providing fingerprints.
Police Intervention and FIR Registration
Following persistent efforts and after the family met Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Abhishek Shivhare, the City Kotwali Police Station registered an FIR under relevant sections pertaining to fraud, cheating, and related offences. Additional Superintendent of Police Revatdan (also referred to as Revantdan in some reports) confirmed that a case has been registered at Kotwali Police Station and that the matter is under investigation. The SP reportedly assured the family that due legal process would be followed and that Captain Thakur would get his land back.
The “Fourth Battle” and Appeals for Justice
Captain Thakur has framed his current struggle as his fourth battle — after having fought three major wars for the country. His son, Multan Singh Thakur, echoed this sentiment while highlighting the family’s determination:
“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 appealed that the case be transferred to Himachal Pradesh so that he can attend hearings more conveniently given his advanced age and health condition. 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 appealed to the Himachal Pradesh government for assistance, noting that they have already incurred significant expenses (reportedly running into lakhs of rupees) while pursuing the matter. Retired Sergeant Lalaram Chaudhary, who has been assisting the veteran with logistical support, has urged authorities to deliver swift justice, emphasising the sacrifices made by soldiers and the need for the administration to protect their rights.
Broader Concerns
The case has drawn attention to alleged vulnerabilities in land registration processes, particularly the inadequate verification mechanisms that may enable impersonation and forgery, especially when original owners reside far away or belong to vulnerable groups such as Pong Dam oustees and retired armed forces personnel. Observers have noted that land brokers may specifically target such families, exploiting their unfamiliarity with local administrative systems and the physical distance involved.
As of 12 July 2026, the police investigation is ongoing. The family remains resolute in its pursuit of justice, while Captain Thakur continues to seek a resolution that restores his land and upholds the dignity befitting a veteran who has served the nation across multiple conflicts.
Justice delayed is justice denied — but for this 92-year-old soldier, the battle for his land and his honour continues with the same resolve he once displayed on the battlefield.
The Editorial Team at SSBCrack comprises seasoned journalists, professional content writers, and dedicated defence aspirants with deep domain knowledge in military affairs, national security, and geopolitics.
