J&K: Chargesheet Filed Against Businessman, Retired Revenue Officials in Land-Fraud Case

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in Srinagar against a businessman and two retired Revenue Department officials in a 2022 land-fraud case, officials said on Thursday.

The chargesheet, submitted before the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, invokes various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code along with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Those named include businessman Habibullah Bhat of Buchpora, retired naib tehsildar Mohammad Rajab Reshi of Brein Nishat, and former patwari Syed Khurshid Ahmad of Lar, Ganderbal.

The case stemmed from a complaint alleging fraudulent mutation of 10 marlas of land at Zoonimar, Eidgah, executed in favour of Bhat on the basis of a purported sale deed. Investigation later confirmed that no such deed had been registered by the competent sub-registrar.

Probes revealed that Bhat, in conspiracy with the patwari and naib tehsildar, manipulated revenue records and entered mutation details using a non-existent sale deed.

Officials said their involvement has been prima facie established and the chargesheet submitted for judicial determination. (Agencies)