SRINAGAR, Apr 10: Police in Baramulla district have foiled a major land fraud attempt in Wussan Kunzer, arresting seven suspects who allegedly posed as land brokers and government officials to dupe a buyer.
The accused had fabricated ownership claims over a 13.5-kanal land parcel and presented an associate as the owner, while one of them impersonated a patwari and others posed as revenue officials to lend credibility to the deal, police said.
The complainant, Abdul Ahad Malik of Panzi Nara Shalteng, had already paid Rs 4.10 lakh-Rs 4 lakh in cash and Rs 10,000 via bank transfer and was being pressured to arrange a further Rs 20 lakh when police intervened.
Those arrested have been identified as Ghulam Mohammad Wani of Pulwama, Masood Ahmad Wani of Pir Bagh Srinagar, Mohammad Yousuf Wani of Pandithpora Kunzer Baramulla, Mohammad Abdullah Mir of Shilwat Sonawari Bandipora, Bilal Parray of Markundal, Fayaz Ahmad Khanday of Takkanwari Srinagar, and Riyaz Ahmad Mir of Sheikhzoo Ganderbal.
Among those arrested, Mohammad Wani impersonated a Patwari, while Masood Wani posed as the son of the purported property owner. The remaining accused acted as brokers in the fraudulent deal.
Police said forged revenue documents related to land at Wussan Bangil were recovered and seized during the operation.
A case has been registered at police station Kunzer under relevant sections of the BNS, and further investigation is underway to identify other accomplices.
Police have urged the public to verify land records and identities through official channels before entering into property transactions. (AGENCIES)
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