A historic Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrip in Ferozepur, Punjab, used during World War II and in the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971, has allegedly been fraudulently sold off by a mother and son duo in collusion with revenue officials. This shocking revelation has surfaced nearly three decades after the crime was committed.

The accused, Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand Ansal, residents of Dumni Wala village, have been booked by the Ferozepur police for illegally selling the airstrip land, which is located in Fattuwala village. The fraudulent sale reportedly took place in 1997. An inquiry report, numbered 24526/22/SM-11 and dated June 20, 2025, from the Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, revealed the fraudulent sale of the defense land. The report was based on letters No. 145/2023 from the Ferozepur police and No. 519/2023 from the Ferozepur Vigilance Office.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by Nishan Singh, a resident of Ferozepur. Vigilance Inspector Jagdeep Kaur conducted the investigation, confirming that approximately 4 acres of land belonging to the Indian Air Force in Fattuwala village had been fraudulently sold. The land was initially acquired on March 12, 1945, during British rule for use in World War II. It remained under the IAF's possession and was used in subsequent wars.

Despite the land's historical significance and official ownership, Usha Ansal and Naveen Chand Ansal allegedly claimed ownership and sold it in collusion with revenue officials, using forged records and fraudulent intentions.

A complaint was also submitted in 2021 by the commandant of the Halwara Air Force Station to the Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner, requesting a probe. After delays, the High Court intervened and directed the DC to complete the investigation. Eventually, in May 2025, the land was restored to the Ministry of Defence. An FIR has been registered against the accused under Sections 419, 420, 465, 467, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code. DSP Karan Sharma is leading further investigations to identify all individuals involved in this long-concealed scam.

The IAF's emergency airfield, known as "Jahaz Ground," is part of 982 acres acquired by the British government in 1939 for the Royal Air Force during World War II. The vast airfield grounds were used for camouflaging weaponry. The unauthorized sale of such a strategically important piece of land raises serious questions about the security and integrity of defense assets.