The Ministry of Shipping has launched an investigation into allegations that hills were cut to fill land for the development of Ramgarh Land Port in Khagrachhari.

The probe team visited several sites in Ramgarh where soil had reportedly been excavated from hills and used to fill areas of the port.

The allegations were first reported in a national daily on Jan 7 under the headline: “Hills Cut to Fill Land for Indian Port Construction”.

On Jan 8, a six-member investigation committee was formed, headed by Md Firoz Ahmed, joint secretary (Management) of the ministry.

The committee has been instructed to submit its report within three working days.

Following the directive, members of the investigation team visited various locations, including Baidytilla in Ramgarh, and held discussions with local residents.

They collected photographs, information, and soil samples from the excavated hills.

The team also inspected the port and gathered soil samples used for the land filling, which were later subjected to testing and analysis.

The committee members also examined the quality of the construction work.