Srinagar, Oct 11 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) revealed on Saturday that it has uncovered a significant land scandal involving the unlawful transfer of evacuee property located on Gupkar Road in Srinagar.

ACB SSP, Javed Hassan, stated to the press, “The ACB has initiated a criminal investigation into a major evacuee property land scandal that involves high-ranking government officials and private beneficiaries.”

“The focus of the case is on the illegal exchange and manipulation of prime evacuee land on Gupkar Road, one of the most sought-after areas in Srinagar. Officials from the Revenue Department and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department coordinated with private individuals to execute an unlawful land swap.”

“Approximately 17 marlas of evacuee land were swapped with property of significantly lower value at a different location. This transaction occurred without the required No Objection Certificate from the Defence Estates Office and in direct contravention of the directions issued by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.”

“Investigators discovered that the officials intentionally overlooked legal protocols, manipulated land records, and approved fraudulent revenue entries to advantage private parties.”

“The inquiry revealed that tenancy columns and revenue extracts were altered to obscure ownership information. The evacuee property on Gupkar Road possesses both substantial commercial and strategic significance, making this manipulation a grave violation of public trust.”

“The ACB identified that essential scrutiny and NOC mandates were deliberately ignored, indicating a premeditated scheme. The alleged conduct includes criminal misconduct, forgery, abuse of position, and conspiracy, resulting in considerable financial detriment to the government.”

“An FIR No. 19/2025 has been filed at the ACB Police Station in Srinagar under Sections 5(1)(d) and 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, alongside Section 120-B of the RPC.”

“The investigation is ongoing to reveal the entirety of the conspiracy, trace illicit financial transactions, and establish individual accountability.”

“Arrests and departmental actions are imminent. We encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report any corruption or illicit activities involving public servants via our official helpline and communication channels.”

It is important to note that evacuee properties are lands abandoned by locals who migrated to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) before 1947. Constitutionally, these individuals continue to be recognized as Indian citizens, and their properties are held in trust by the state custodian department until the rightful owners or their heirs return to J&K.