Land Scam and Moral Dilemma Of an Officer (actually posted two weeks ago)

A major land scam related to government land is suspected in one of the talukas. The surveyors created records to various parties without proper grant documents and in violation of the existing guidelines. On reliable information, the Assistant commissioner inspected the office, asked them to produce the records based on which they conducted survey. They were evasive on thursday. Yesterday, I visited the spot, gave them a chance to explain what happened as I was interested in the big fish. I knew these poor fellows were acting under a lot of pressure. They did not divulge anything. AC under the capacity of SDM issued warrants to search their houses u/s 94 of CrPC. Got many documents from their houses. Once again given a chance to explain. Today morning none of them came to office, non-cooperation with the enquiry. By after noon, the big fish came in to the picture, had a meeting of all these small fishes. He advised them that a case will be booked against them. His advice was to book an atrocity case against the SDM for issuing the warrant. They did so, made a huge drama before the police station stating that they have taken poison to commit suicide in protest against the harassment being subjected to. The SP directed the local police to book them under attempt of suicide. They changed their version, gave statement that they did not take poison. This was the limits. Though it is a moral dilemma, decided that these fellows deserve no more mercy, have directed the tahsildar to file FIR against them under various sections of tampering with records, creating false records etc. They are taken into custody, are bieng remanded. The silver lining in this was the reaction of people. They went to police station and warned these fellows and supported the district administration in the stern action being taken. I am a lil sad to take action against the small fishes but had no way once they decided to complain against the SDM for showing mercy to them. He still pleads with me not to proceed harshly against them.