Srinagar, Dec 21 (NationPress) On Sunday, the Crime Branch of J&K Police announced the filing of a charge sheet against four high-ranking officials from the revenue department in connection with a significant land fraud case. The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir submitted a charge sheet in FIR No. 08/2021, invoking Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B RPC along with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, targeting five individuals, including four senior revenue officials.

The individuals accused include Nusrat Aziz, who was the Tehsildar Settlement in Srinagar and currently serves in Mehjoor Nagar, Srinagar; Shahbaz Bodha, previously the Tehsildar South, Srinagar and now the ACR of Pulwama; Mohd Yaseen Kalla, formerly a Patwari in Estate Balhama, now stationed at OQ Channapora; Ashiq Ali, previously a Patwari Settlement in Srinagar, now a Patwari in Litter, Pulwama; and Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Nowgam, Srinagar.

The case was initiated by a complaint from individuals who claimed they purchased two plots of land, each measuring one Kanal and seven Marlas, along with an additional 14 Marlas, located in Balhama, Srinagar. These transactions were validated through registered sale deeds executed by Riyaz Ahmad Bhat. The possession of the land was formally transferred, with mutations numbered 121, 122, and 67 lawfully recorded in favor of the purchasers, as per the statement.

Investigations revealed that the accused seller, in collusion with the revenue officials, illicitly tampered with official records and unlawfully annulled the valid mutations, thus fraudulently reinstating ownership rights to the seller. This malpractice allowed the same land to be sold again to other parties, resulting in unjust losses for the complainants and illegal gains for the accused. Further inquiry uncovered that basic mutations were recorded in favor of the land broker, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, using predated documents, at a time when the implicated officers were not even assigned to the relevant Tehsil/Estate.

Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, including verified official records and documentary evidence, substantial material was discovered that substantiates the commission of cognizable offences under the pertinent legal provisions.

Consequently, the charge sheet has been submitted to the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, for legal evaluation. The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir reaffirms its unwavering dedication to combating corruption and protecting the legal property rights of citizens,” the statement concluded.