Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a criminal investigation into a major evacuee property land scam in Srinagar, allegedly involving senior government officials and private beneficiaries. The case revolves around the illegal exchange and manipulation of prime evacuee land on Gupkar Road—one of the city’s most valuable and sensitive areas.
Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police, ACB, Javid Hassan, said that officials from the Revenue Department and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department colluded with private individuals to carry out an unlawful land swap. Around 17 marlas of evacuee land were exchanged for property of far lower value at another location.
The exchange was conducted without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Defence Estates Office and in clear violation of Jammu and Kashmir High Court directions. Investigations revealed that the officials involved ignored legal procedures, falsified land records, and approved fake revenue entries to extend undue benefits to private parties.
According to the ACB, tenancy columns and revenue extracts were tampered with to disguise ownership details. The evacuee land on Gupkar Road carries both high commercial and strategic significance, making the manipulation a grave breach of public trust.
The probe further established that the required scrutiny and NOC processes were deliberately bypassed, indicating a premeditated conspiracy. The actions of the accused amount to criminal misconduct, forgery, abuse of official position, and conspiracy, causing substantial financial loss to the government.
An FIR No. 19/2025 has been registered at ACB Police Station Srinagar under Sections 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Section 120-B of the RPC.
The investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals involved, trace illegal financial transactions, and determine accountability. The ACB has indicated that further arrests and departmental actions are likely.
The Bureau has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any instances of corruption or illegal dealings involving public officials through its official helpline and communication channels.
