Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 19: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) today arrested a Patwari in connection with a land fraud case involving property originally owned by a Kashmiri Pandit.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
The arrested Revenue officer has been identified as Khursheed Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Fatehpora, Ganderbal.
CBK said that Bhat is the prime accused in a case involving the fraudulent sale of land measuring 7 kanals and 2 marlas in Mouza Nuner, Ganderbal.
“Investigations revealed that Bhat, along with others, falsely posed as landowners and executed a fake sale agreement. The land was actually owned by a migrant Kashmiri Pandit and held under power of attorney by a third party.”
The complainant, as per the CBK, had already paid Rs 1.19 crore out of the agreed Rs 2.76 crore before discovering the fraud.
Preliminary investigation has established a criminal conspiracy involving impersonation and forged documents, it said.
A case has been registered under Sections 420, 468, 471, and 120-B of the IPC at Police Station, Economic Offences Wing. “Further investigation is in progress.”
Other accused in the case have been identified as Ghulam Nabi Bhat, son of Ghulam Rasool Bhat, resident of Fatepora Ganderbal; Abdul Rashid Parray, son of Abdul Gani Parray, resident of Pandach Ganderbal; and Sajid Rashid Parray, son of Abdul Rashid Parray, resident of Pandach Ganderbal.
The case was registered following a written complaint alleging that the accused, led by Khursheed Ahmad Bhat, a serving Patwari, fraudulently posed as landowners and entered into an agreement for the sale of land.
The land was falsely represented as belonging to the accused, whereas it was later discovered to be owned by a migrant Kashmiri Pandit and held under power of attorney by a third party.
A preliminary investigation has revealed a criminal conspiracy involving forged documents, impersonation, and willful deception, thereby establishing prima facie offences.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
