Shillong Dec 6: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has warned of taking action against traditional heads if they are found charging exorbitant rate while executing land sale deeds.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, KHADC executive member in-charge Land Latiplang Kharkongor said that the decision was taken by the executive committee of the Council in its meeting held last month.

A notification on this regard was also issued recently which states – “it has been brought to the notice of the executive committee that village authorities, Syiem Raid and or other persons acting on their behalf within the Khasi Hills Autonomous District are charging an exhorbitant rate to execute sale deeds of lands which are in the range of 10% of the sale value of the land”.

It also urged the general public to immediately report to the executive committee on the illegal act for appropriation action against such persons.

Asked, the EM said that the complaints received so far were mainly from Ri Bhoi District where people have alleged that the village heads are demanding 10 percent of the sale value of the land.

“If such illegal practice is allowed it will affect the poor people especially those who are taking loan to buy lands,” he said adding that the Council will have nothing to say if the owners themselves are giving the traditional heads as a mark of respect.