Srinagar ~ The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in a land fraud case, leading to the judicial custody of two accused individuals.
The chargesheet was submitted before the Court of the Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Anantnag, against Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat of Babapora Qazigund, a former Patwari, and Mohammad Yousuf Dar of Khandipahari, Harnag.
The case stems from a complaint alleging that Bhat, while serving as Patwari Halqa Khandipahari, conspired with the complainant’s brothers to fraudulently mutate land under Khewat Nos. 05 and 07 at Khandipahari Harnag. This was allegedly done despite the property being under litigation and a status quo order issued by the court, which was already reflected in revenue records.
Investigations found that Bhat concealed crucial facts, prepared fraudulent mutations, and facilitated the sale of part of the disputed land. Co-accused Dar was found to have procured a forged gift deed purportedly executed by his mother, with alleged witnesses later denying any involvement.
The complainant also alleged that the Patwari demanded money for issuing revenue extracts and that no action was taken despite approaching senior revenue authorities.
A prima facie case was established during the enquiry, leading to the registration of FIR No. 45/2015 under sections 420, 468, 471, and 120-B of the RPC and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Following investigation, both accused were produced before the court and remanded to judicial lock-up.
The EOW stated that it remains committed to combating economic offences and urged the public to stay alert against fraudulent activities.
