CBK Files Chargesheet Against Eight, Including Revenue Officials, in Major Land Fraud Case in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 17: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) has filed a detailed chargesheet against eight individuals, including four revenue officials,three retired and one serving in connection with a multi-crore land fraud case registered under FIR No. 23/2019. The chargesheet, filed before the Court of the Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Srinagar, accuses the individuals of illegally occupying and manipulating land records through fabricated documents and misuse of official authority.

According to an official statement issued by the Crime Branch, the case originated from a complaint alleging that two residents of Iqbal Colony, Shalteng Srinagar, Nadeem Ahmad Mayer and Shafiq Ahmad Mayer  had unlawfully encroached upon 52 kanals of land located at Ehel Danihama. The encroachment, investigators found, was facilitated through falsified revenue records and forged mutations executed under the pretext of an oral gift (Hiba Zabani) purportedly from the complainant’s uncle  despite there being no legal or familial connection to justify the transfer.

During the course of the investigation, the CBK unearthed several irregularities and procedural violations. It was discovered that the official mutation records (Parti Sarkar) were missing, and the corresponding treasury voucher numbers and dates were either absent or fabricated. Investigators also found that the mutations had been sanctioned by only one of the co-owners, thereby unlawfully excluding the rights of other legitimate stakeholders. Further scrutiny revealed that approximately 40 kanals of state land were also encroached upon as part of the fraudulent scheme.

The spokesperson stated that these fraudulent activities were allegedly carried out with the “active connivance” of several revenue officials who played key roles in manipulating land records, facilitating illegal occupation, and circumventing established procedures. The investigation, based on documentary evidence and witness statements, confirmed that the officials had abused their official positions for personal gain and to benefit private individuals.

Those named in the chargesheet include:

1. 1. Nadeem Ahmad Mayer, son of Shafiq Ahmad Mayer, resident of Iqbal Colony, Shalteng Srinagar;
   2. Irfan Ahmad Mayer, son of Shafiq Ahmad Mayer, resident of Iqbal Colony, Shalteng Srinagar;
   3. Abdul Hamid Kathu, son of Ali Mohammad Kathu, resident of Astanpora Tailbal Srinagar (then Patwari, now retired);
   4. Ghulam Jeelani Rather, son of Late Abdul Salam Rather, resident of Dara Harwan Srinagar (then Patwari);
   5. Ali Mohammad Dar (then Patwari, now retired);
   6. Nazir Ahmad Palla, son of Ghulam Ahmad Palla, resident of Chandpora Harwan; and
   7. Bilal Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Gani Dar, resident of Mufti Bagh Harwan, presently at New Theed Srinagar.

The accused have been charged under Sections 420, 447-A, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, for cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and misuse of public office.

A senior CBK official stated that the chargesheet reflects the department’s continued focus on tackling white-collar crime and safeguarding public property from illegal encroachments. “This case highlights how institutional collusion and manipulation of land records can undermine public trust. Crime Branch Kashmir remains committed to ensuring accountability and protecting state assets,” the official said.