North Kashmir: Land Scam Busted; Seven Held for Impersonation Fraud | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: In a major crackdown on land fraud, police in north kashmir’s Baramulla foiled a well-planned scam in Kunzer by arresting seven individuals who allegedly posed as land brokers and government officials to dupe an unsuspecting buyer.

As per details, the accused had fabricated a false ownership claim over a piece of land and presented one of their associates as the legitimate owner.

To lend credibility to their scheme, one member impersonated a Patwari while others posed as revenue officials. However, timely verification by Police exposed the entire operation as a pre-planned conspiracy aimed at cheating the complainant.

The complainant, Abdul Ahad Malik S/o Gh Nabi Malik R/o Panzi Nara Shalteng, had already been duped of a substantial amount before Police intervention.

Acting swiftly, Police apprehended the following accused, Gh Mohammad Wani S/o Md Ramzan Wani R/o Palpora Pulwama (impersonating as Patwari), Masood Ahmad Wani S/o Md Shafi R/o Pir Bagh Sector B (posing as son of property owner, Khursheed Alam), Md Yousuf Wani S/o Ab Ahad R/o Pandithpora Kunzer (broker), Md Abdullah Mir S/o Ab Gaffar R/o Shilwat Sonawari (broker), Bilal Parray S/o Ab Rashid R/o Markundal (broker), Fayaz Ahmad Khanday S/o Gh Nabi R/o Takkanwari Srinagar (broker) and Riyaz Ahmad Mir S/o Gh Nabi R/o Sheikhzoo Ganderbal (broker)

Preliminary enquiry revealed that the complainant had already paid Rs 4,00,000 in cash and Rs 10,000 via bank transfer, and was being further persuaded to arrange Rs 20,00,000. The accused were intercepted at a crucial stage, preventing further financial loss.

During the operation, Police recovered and seized forged revenue documents pertaining to the land measuring 13.5 kanals at Wussan Bangil under Khasra Nos. 271, 272, 273, and 274.In this regard, FIR No. 42/2026 under sections 318(4) and 319(2) BNS has been registered at Police Station Kunzer. Investigation is ongoing to trace additional accomplices and uncover the full extent of the fraud network.

Baramulla Police urges the public to remain vigilant and verify all land-related documents and identities through proper government channels before entering into any property transactions. (KNC)