Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir today filed a chargesheet in a long-pending land fraud case linked to illegal mutations and forged documents in Anantnag, resulting in the judicial remand of two accused, including a former Patwari.
According to the official statement, the chargesheet was produced before the Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Anantnag, against Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, son of Ali Mohammad Bhat, from Babapora Qazigund, and Mohammad Yousuf Dar, son of Ghulam Ahmad Dar, from Khandipahari, Harnag.
The case stems from a complaint alleging that Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, then 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 an active court litigation and a status quo order reflected in revenue records.
Investigators found that the Patwari concealed material facts, facilitated the sale of a portion of the disputed land, and prepared fraudulent mutations. Officials said accused Mohammad Yousuf Dar also procured a forged gift deed purportedly executed by his mother, while witnesses named in the document denied involvement.
The complainant further alleged that the Patwari demanded money for revenue extracts and that no departmental action followed despite reporting the matter to senior revenue officers.
An enquiry found the allegations prima facie proven, leading to FIR No. 45/2015 registered under Sections 420, 468, 471, 120-B RPC, and 5(2) PC Act at Crime Branch Kashmir. Following a detailed investigation, the chargesheet has now been submitted for judicial determination.
During proceedings, the court remanded both accused—Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat and Mohammad Yousuf Dar—to judicial lock-up. The Economic Offences Wing reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud and urged the public to remain alert to such activities. (Agencies)
