The officials now have taken over 86 acres, which, they allege, was illegally occupied by renowned tiger conservationist and Padma Bhushan awardee, "Billy" Arjan Singh.

Singh was originally in possession of 100 acres, which was being used for farming. Of this, 14 acres was disputed. In 1980, after the forest department tried to claim it, he had filed a case in Lakhimpur court, which was since transferred to the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court. The forest department has now taken over 86 acres. "The land was in the possession of Arjan Singh for the last 25 years and was being used for farming," a forest official said.

Singh has written to the Uttar Pradesh Governor, state Forest Secretary, and Lakhimpur District Magistrate Pinki Jowel, protesting the move and seeking their intervention.

The environmentalist, who was instrumental in establishing the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, has claimed that he is the owner of the land. "In the letter, I have also mentioned that the forest officials are planning to take possession of more land, on which the case is being heard," he said.

The officials claimed the land was part of 249 hectares that had been cleared of encroachment during a special drive.

"We have not touched the 14 hectares on which the case is being heard. That land is still in his possession," said KK Singh, Divisional Forest Officer, Lakhimpur.

"We have just taken back our land, we have not taken any action against any person who had illegally captured the forest land. The operation is going on without using much pressure," he added.