The Ministry of Interior’s General Inspectorate has assigned five officials to investigate a Takeo deputy governor, the Bati district governor and the head of Bati district’s Land Management, Urban Planning, Construction and Cadastre Office over allegations that they used their powers and positions to take land lawfully held by residents and give it to someone else.
The investigation is based on a complaint dated October 21, 2025 from Chak Kuntha, a woman living in Roleang Kroel village, Trapeang Sap commune, Bati district, Takeo province, and an instruction endorsed by Interior Minister Sar Sokha on November 26, 2025. This is according to a letter from the General Inspectorate to Takeo Governor Vi Samnang dated January 8, 2026.
The ministry received Chak Kuntha’s complaint against Takeo Deputy Governor Meng Vuthy, Bati District Governor Phuon Chhim and Touch Sarun, head of the district’s Land Management, Urban Planning, Construction and Cadastre Office. She alleges that they colluded to use their powers and positions to pressure, threaten and intimidate residents in order to take their land, including land with ownership titles, and hand it to a person named Ny Iem. The ministry assigned five specialist officials to investigate the case from January 12, 2026 onward. The General Inspectorate also asked Governor Vi Samnang to cooperate with the team so it could carry out its duties successfully.
By: Nget Pisant
