Did J&K Crime Branch File a Charge Sheet in a Land Fraud Case Involving a Businessman and Government Official?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Charge sheet filed against businessman and officials.
- Investigation reveals fraudulent land transactions.
- Crime Branch committed to fighting corruption.
- Public trust in governance at stake.
- Legal proceedings underway for accountability.
Srinagar, December 4 (NationPress) - The Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch announced on Thursday that it has officially submitted a charge sheet regarding a land fraud case to the special anti-corruption court in Srinagar.
A statement from the Crime Branch Kashmir revealed, "The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch J&K has presented a charge sheet in connection with case FIR No. 79/2022 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B RPC along with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act to the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar."
The charge sheet implicates three individuals: Habibullah Bhat, a businessman and son of Mohammad Sultan Bhat, residing in Omarhair Buchpora; Mohammad Rajab Reshi, a retired Naib Tehsildar and son of Haji Ghulam Ahmad Reshi from Brein Nishat; and Syed Khurshid Ahmad, a former Patwari and son of Late Syed Mohammad Amin, who lives in Watalbagh Lar, Ganderbal.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint alleging that a fraudulent mutation of land measuring 10 marlas, located under Khasra Nos. 467 and 468 at Zoonimar Eidgah, Srinagar, had been executed in favor of the accused under the guise of a sale deed.
"A probe was subsequently ordered, revealing that no sale deed with Registration No. 1693 dated 08.09.2003 had ever been registered by the relevant Sub-Registrar. The investigation unearthed that Habibullah Bhat, in collaboration with the then Patwari Syed Khurshid Ahmad and Naib Tehsildar Mohammad Rajab Reshi, tampered with revenue records and fraudulently processed mutation entries based on a non-existent sale deed," the statement elaborated.
Their alleged involvement in these offenses was sufficiently demonstrated, prompting the submission of the charge sheet for judicial review.
"The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch J&K reaffirms its dedication to protecting public assets and promoting accountability against corruption and fraud," the statement concluded.
The J&K Crime Branch has been actively investigating serious crimes, particularly high-profile cases involving significant financial dealings and those that demand quick and specialized investigations from the public.