SRINAGAR, Dec 4: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against three accused in a high-profile land fraud case, exposing manipulation of land records and misuse of official authority. The chargesheet was submitted before the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, in FIR No. 79/2022 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code read with Section 5 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The accused named in the chargesheet are businessman Habibullah Bhat, son of Mohammad Sultan Bhat, resident of Umarhair Buchpora; retired Naib Tehsildar Mohammad Rajab Reshi, son of Haji Ghulam Ahmad Reshi, resident of Brein Nishat; and then Patwari Syed Khurshid Ahmad, son of Late Syed Mohammad Amin, resident of Watalbagh Lar, Ganderbal.
The case originated from a written complaint alleging fraudulent mutation of land measuring 10 marlas at Zoonimar in Eidgah locality of Srinagar. Investigations revealed that the accused conspired to execute the mutation in favour of Habibullah Bhat on the pretext of a sale deed, despite the absence of lawful entitlement.
The probe established that the revenue officials abused their positions by certifying false documents and enabling the illegal transfer of land. Witness statements and documentary evidence collected during the investigation confirmed their involvement in the conspiracy.
The CBK stated that the fraudulent act caused loss to genuine stakeholders and eroded public trust in the integrity of land records. The chargesheet seeks accountability under criminal law and anti-corruption statutes, marking a significant step in addressing land-related frauds in the region.
The matter will now proceed before the competent court, where the accused will face trial. Officials emphasised that strict action will be taken against those found guilty, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to transparency and fairness in land dealings.
