Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) on Wednesday conducted multiple searches in Bandipora and Budgam districts in connection with a fraudulent land compensation case linked to the 400 KV DC Samba-Amargarh Transmission Line.
According to sources, the case was registered after a complaint alleged that compensation for land under the transmission line in the villages of Watrad, Dalabal, and Kachwari (Tehsil Khansahib, Budgam) had been illegally released in favor of non-existent individuals, while the legitimate landowners were deprived.
Investigations revealed that crores of rupees in compensation were fraudulently withdrawn in the names of fictitious persons through fake bank accounts. The scam reportedly involved employees of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited in collusion with land brokers and certain bank officials.
The probe has identified the involvement of Mushtaq Ahmad Lone (S/o Mohammad Akbar Lone, R/o Watrad Dalabal, Tehsil Khansahib, Budgam), Bilal Ahmad Mir (S/o Gh. Ahmad Mir, R/o Patushai Watpora, Bandipora), Ranjit Singh, and Samaliya Kumar (employees of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited), among others. The alleged actions constitute offences under Sections 409, 419, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the RPC.
The Crime Branch Kashmir confirmed that house searches are ongoing at multiple locations.
