EOW Kashmir conducts searches in Rs 93 lakh land fraud case

Srinagar, May 19: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir conducted house searches in Budgam district in connection with an alleged Rs 93 lakh land fraud case involving fake agreements related to migrant land and standing trees.

According to officials, the searches were carried out at Semsaan area of Budgam in connection with FIR No. 17/2026 registered under Sections 318(4), 336(3), 340 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station EOW Kashmir.

The case pertains to alleged fraud involving accused Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar of Jawalpora, Budgam and Soom Nath Koul of Bangalore North, Karnataka, presently residing in Janipur Jammu.

Investigations revealed that the complainant was allegedly induced into purchasing five kanals of migrant land at Drusu in Pulwama district and 300 standing trees at Bijbehara through fake agreements.

Officials said the investigation further found that accused Soom Nath Koul had allegedly posed as the attorney holder of the original landowners, while Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar acted as a witness during the transaction.

Preliminary findings also revealed that neither the land nor the trees belonged to the accused persons.

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

The Crime Branch advised the public to remain vigilant against economic fraudsters and report such incidents directly to SSP EOW Srinagar, Abdul Waheed Shah.

Victims of economic fraud have also been asked to submit complaints through the official email of the Economic Offences Wing.