J&K Crime Branch searches homes in Srinagar-Budgam land fraud case
Synopsis
J&K Crime Branch has raided homes in Srinagar and Budgam, targeting two land brokers and a former Patwari allegedly behind a forged-documents conspiracy that defrauded a Budgam resident of lakhs of rupees. The case underscores how property fraud in Kashmir often implicates revenue officials — raising questions about systemic oversight of land transactions.
Key Takeaways
The J&K Crime Branch's Special Crime Wing Kashmir conducted house searches in Srinagar and Budgam on 14 May 2026 .
Searches are linked to FIR No.
06/2026 under Sections 420, 468, and 120-B RPC — covering cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
Accused include land brokers Tariq Ahmad Sofi (Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar) and Tariq Ahmad Wani (Narkara, Budgam), allegedly in connivance with the then Patwari .
The complainant, a resident of Humhama, Budgam , alleged he was defrauded of lakhs of rupees in a fake land deal at Narkara, Srinagar .
Searches were carried out in the presence of Executive Magistrates to ensure procedural compliance and collect evidence.
The Jammu & Kashmir Police's Crime Branch conducted house searches at multiple locations across Srinagar and Budgam districts on Thursday, 14 May 2026, in connection with a registered land fraud case. The searches, carried out by the Special Crime Wing Kashmir, targeted accused individuals allegedly involved in forging property documents and deceiving a complainant out of lakhs of rupees.
The Fraud Allegation
The case stems from a written complaint filed by a resident of Humhama, Budgam, who alleged that Tariq Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Solina, Srinagar, fraudulently extracted lakhs of rupees from him under the pretence of facilitating a land sale at Narkara, Srinagar. The complaint led to the registration of FIR No. 06/2026 under Sections 420, 468, and 120-B RPC.
Who Is Named in the Investigation
Prima facie investigation identified two land brokers as key accused: Tariq Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Ahmad Sofi, resident of House No. 53, Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar, and Tariq Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Abdullah Wani, resident of Narkara, Budgam. According to investigators, the two brokers allegedly acted in connivance with the then serving Patwari (revenue official) to prepare and use forged documents, entering into a criminal conspiracy to misappropriate the complainant's money.
How the Searches Were Conducted
House searches were executed at multiple locations across Srinagar and Budgam in the presence of Executive Magistrates, as required by procedure, to collect incriminating material and evidence relevant to the case. The Crime Branch confirmed the searches were a continuation of the ongoing investigation.
Role of J&K Crime Branch
The J&K Crime Branch operates two dedicated wings — one for the Kashmir Valley and one for the Jammu division — each staffed with specialised teams focused exclusively on economic offences and special crimes. The branch handles cases that require investigative expertise beyond the capacity of executive police engaged in routine law-and-order duties. This structural separation is designed to ensure focused, uninterrupted probes into financial crimes such as land fraud.
What Happens Next
Investigators are expected to analyse the seized material for further leads. The involvement of a revenue official — the then Patwari — adds a layer of institutional accountability to the probe, and further action against additional accused cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.
Point of View
But the deeper fix lies in digitising and independently auditing land records, something J&K has promised but not yet fully delivered. Until then, the Patwari remains the single point of failure in a system that millions of property buyers depend on.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the J&K land fraud case that prompted the Crime Branch searches?
The case involves a complaint by a Humhama, Budgam resident who alleged that land broker Tariq Ahmad Sofi fraudulently took lakhs of rupees from him under the pretext of facilitating a land sale at Narkara, Srinagar. FIR No. 06/2026 was registered under Sections 420, 468, and 120-B RPC for cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
Who are the accused named in FIR No. 06/2026?
Two land brokers are named: Tariq Ahmad Sofi of Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar, and Tariq Ahmad Wani of Narkara, Budgam. Investigators say they allegedly acted in connivance with the then serving Patwari to prepare forged documents and deceive the complainant.
Why were Executive Magistrates present during the searches?
Under legal procedure, Executive Magistrates must be present during house searches to ensure due process, witness the recovery of evidence, and safeguard the rights of those whose premises are searched. Their presence also strengthens the evidentiary value of any material seized.
What is the J&K Crime Branch and why does it handle such cases?
The J&K Crime Branch is a specialised investigative wing of J&K Police, with separate units for the Kashmir Valley and Jammu division. It handles economic offences and special crimes that require dedicated expertise, as routine executive police engaged in law-and-order duties cannot devote sustained attention to complex financial fraud investigations.
What could happen next in the investigation?
The Crime Branch is expected to analyse material seized during the searches for additional leads. Given that a former revenue official is implicated, further arrests or action against additional accused are possible as the investigation continues.
