Crime Branch Kashmir registers two FIRs against fraudsters in land scam

Srinagar, Aug 29: The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) has registered two separate FIRs against two notorious fraudsters, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, resident of Nowgam Srinagar, and Shabir Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Ismail Wani, resident of Lasjan Srinagar, for their involvement in land fraud, cheating, forging revenue documents, and criminal breach of trust.

According to officials, the first case was registered on the complaint of a woman who alleged that Riyaz Ahmad Bhat sold her a piece of land measuring 1 kanal and 5 marlas at Moza Balhama (Survey No. 312 Min, Khewat No. 27, Khata No. 200) for ₹25 lakh. Despite receiving the payment, the accused failed to hand over possession and instead sold the same land to another buyer. The cheques he later issued as repayment were dishonoured.

In another complaint, a man alleged that both Riyaz Ahmad Bhat and Shabir Ahmad Wani sold him 1 kanal and 10 marlas of land at Balhama, Patha Chowk, Srinagar (Survey No. 1683/315 Min, Khewat No. 45, Khata No. 317) for ₹73 lakh, for which a sale deed was duly registered. However, the accused, in connivance with revenue officials, fabricated records and sold the same land to someone else, thereby misappropriating the money.

Officials noted that both accused had earlier been booked in a similar case (FIR No. 14/2025) and arrested by the Economic Offences Wing for land fraud.

The Crime Branch has launched a detailed investigation into the fresh cases, adding that any involvement of revenue officials or other third parties will also be strictly dealt with under the law. Further action will follow based on the outcome of the probe.