Srinagar, Oct 11: The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a criminal investigation into a large scale evacuee property land scam in Srinagar, implicating senior government officials and private parties. The scam involves the unlawful exchange and manipulation of prime evacuee land on Gupkar Road, one of the city’s most valuable areas.
Senior Superintendent of Police, ACB Javid Hassan, stated that officials from the Revenue Department and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department colluded with private individuals to execute a land swap, exchanging around 17 marlas of prime land for properties of far lesser value. The transaction was carried out without the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Defence Estates Office and violated directives from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
Investigations revealed deliberate falsification of land records, tampering of tenancy columns, and approval of fake revenue entries to benefit private parties. The manipulation of high commercial value evacuee land represents a serious breach of public trust.
The ACB confirmed that mandatory scrutiny and NOC requirements were intentionally bypassed, pointing to a premeditated conspiracy. Alleged offenses include criminal misconduct, forgery, abuse of position, and conspiracy, resulting in substantial financial loss to the government.
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 RPC. The investigation is ongoing, with further arrests and departmental actions expected as authorities trace illegal financial transactions and establish accountability.
The ACB urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any corruption or illegal dealings involving public officials through its official helpline and communication channels.