Srinagar, Oct 11 — The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a criminal investigation into a major evacuee property land scam involving senior government officials and private beneficiaries in Srinagar, officials said on Friday.
The case pertains to the illegal exchange and manipulation of about 17 marlas of prime evacuee land on Gupkar Road — one of the city’s most valuable localities — with property of much lesser value elsewhere.
Addressing a press conference, SSP ACB Javid Hassan said officials from the Revenue Department and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department colluded with private individuals to carry out the unlawful land swap without obtaining the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Defence Estates Office and in defiance of J&K High Court orders.
Investigations revealed falsified land records, tampered tenancy columns, and forged revenue extracts aimed at concealing ownership details. The probe found that mandatory scrutiny and approval procedures were deliberately bypassed, indicating a preplanned conspiracy.
An FIR No. 19/2025 has been registered at ACB Police Station Srinagar under sections 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Section 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code.
The ACB said the acts amount to criminal misconduct, forgery, abuse of position, and conspiracy, causing heavy financial losses to the government. The investigation is ongoing, with more arrests and departmental actions expected.
The Bureau has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any corruption or illegal dealings involving public officials through its official helpline and communication channels. (Agencies)
