JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 27: In a significant development in a decade-old corruption case, the Crime Branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed a comprehensive chargesheet against 12 individuals, including four former revenue officials, for their alleged involvement in the illegal grabbing of nearly three acres of land belonging to Auqaf Islamia in Jammu. The case, which has been under investigation since 2013, involves serious charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and abuse of official position under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code and the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, Benam Tosh confirmed that the chargesheet has been submitted before the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu, for judicial determination. According to officials, the accused include former Tehsildar Daljeet Singh, former Naib Tehsildar Som Dutt, former Girdawar Ram Saran, and former Patwari Abdul Fani. Among them, Ram Saran and Abdul Fani have passed away in recent years. Another accused, Abdul Sattar, has also died.
The case originated from a written complaint filed by the Administrator of Auqaf Islamia Jammu, who alleged that a group of beneficiaries, in connivance with revenue officials, hatched a criminal conspiracy to fraudulently seize Auqaf land measuring 26 kanals (approximately 3.25 acres) located in village Chatha Gujran on the outskirts of Jammu. The complaint further alleged that the accused manipulated land records, committed forgery, and facilitated the illegal transfer of the property for personal gain, thereby causing significant financial loss to the Auqaf body.
Investigators revealed that the conspiracy was meticulously planned and executed through falsified revenue documents and deliberate misrepresentation of ownership records. The accused allegedly abused their official positions to validate fraudulent entries, enabling private individuals to take unlawful possession of the land. After a detailed probe spanning several years, the Crime Branch gathered substantial documentary evidence and witness testimonies, conclusively establishing the involvement of the accused in the illegal land transfer.
Officials said the submission of the challan marks an important step in the legal proceedings and reflects the agency’s commitment to bringing to justice those involved in misappropriation of religious endowment properties. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting persistent concerns over the misuse of official authority in land-related matters and the vulnerability of Auqaf and other trust-owned properties to fraudulent encroachments.
Legal experts note that this case underscores the critical importance of institutional vigilance, transparency in land records management, and strong deterrents against corruption in public offices. With the charges now formally presented, the focus shifts to the judicial process, where accountability for the alleged misdeeds will be determined.
Authorities reaffirmed their resolve to pursue similar cases with rigor, stressing that public and religious properties must be protected from illegal encroachments. The outcome of this trial is expected to set an important precedent in safeguarding trust lands and reinforcing institutional integrity in Jammu and Kashmir.