Crime Branch Kashmir books four in land fraud case

Srinagar, Aug 19: Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has registered First Information Report (FIR) against four individuals involved in a case of “land fraud and criminal conspiracy”, officials said on Tuesday.

In a statement, an official spokesperson identified the accused as Khurshid Ahmad Bhat (Patwari) S/o Ghulam Nabi Bhat, R/o Fatepora Ganderbal; Ghulam Nabi Bhat S/o Ghulam Rasool Bhat, R/o Fatepora Ganderbal; Abdul Rashid Parray S/o Abdul Gani Parray, R/o Pandach Ganderbal; and Sajid Rashid Parray S/o Abdul Rashid Parray, R/o Pandach Ganderbal

The spokesperson said that the case was registered following a written complaint wherein the complainant alleged that the accused, led by Khurshid Ahmad Bhat, a serving Patwari fraudulently posed as landowners and entered into an agreement for sale of land measuring 7 kanals and 2 marlas in Mouza Nuner, Ganderbal.

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, he added.

He said, before discovering the fraud, the complainant had already paid Rs. 1.19 crore out of a total consideration amount of Rs. 2.76 crore,

As per the statement, a preliminary investigation has revealed a criminal conspiracy involving forged documents, impersonation, and willful deception, thereby establishing prima facie offences punishable under Sections 420, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The spokesperson said that “Cognizance of the matter has been taken and a case has been registered at Police Station, Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir).”

Further investigation is underway, he added.