Crime Branch conducts searches in Srinagar, Budgam in land fraud case

Srinagar, May 14: The Special Crime Wing Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday conducted house searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts in connection with an alleged land fraud case, officials said in a statement.

According to the statement issued by Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK), the searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 06/2026 registered under Sections 420, 468, and 120-B RPC.

The case was registered following a written complaint by a resident of Humhama, Budgam, who alleged that one Tariq Ahmad Sofi of Solina, Srinagar, had fraudulently obtained lakhs of rupees from him on the pretext of selling land located at Narkara, Srinagar.

The statement said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accused, identified as Tariq Ahmad Sofi, son of Ghulam Ahmad Sofi and resident of Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar, along with Tariq Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Abdullah Wani and resident of Narkara, Budgam, allegedly acted in connivance with the then Patwari to prepare and use forged documents in connection with the land transaction.

CBK further stated that the accused allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy to deceive the complainant and misappropriate money through fraudulent means.

“In continuation of the investigation, house searches were conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrates to collect incriminating material and other evidence relevant to the case,” the statement said.

Crime Branch Kashmir also advised the general public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and report such incidents to SSP SCW Kashmir (Crime Branch J&K). Victims of fraud can also submit complaints through the official email address, the statement added.