Crime Branch Launches Major Crackdown in Srinagar, Budgam Over Alleged Land Scam

SRINAGAR, May 14: The Special Crime Wing Kashmir of the Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday conducted searches at several locations in Srinagar and Budgam districts as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged land fraud case involving forged documents and criminal conspiracy.Officials said the case was registered under FIR No. 06/2026 under sections related to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy following a complaint filed by a resident of Humhama in Budgam district.According to investigators, the complainant alleged that he was deceived into paying lakhs of rupees for a piece of land situated in the Narkara area after being promised ownership through a fraudulent property transaction.The Crime Branch stated that preliminary findings during the investigation suggested that the accused individuals had allegedly prepared fake revenue-related documents to facilitate the deal and mislead the buyer.Authorities identified the accused as Tariq Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Tulsi Bagh in Srinagar, and Tariq Ahmad Wani from the Narkara area near Unani Hospital in Budgam. Officials alleged that both were operating as land brokers and had entered into a conspiracy to execute the fraudulent transaction.Investigators further claimed that forged paperwork was allegedly prepared in connivance with a former Patwari to make the land deal appear legally valid.As part of the continuing investigation, multiple searches were carried out in the presence of Executive Magistrates to recover documents, digital records and other material considered important for the case.Officials said the raids were aimed at collecting evidence connected to the alleged manipulation of land records and financial transactions linked to the complaint.The Crime Branch said the investigation remains in progress and additional legal action may follow depending on the evidence gathered during the searches.Meanwhile, the agency urged members of the public to remain cautious while dealing with property transactions and advised people to verify land records through official channels before making payments.Authorities also appealed to citizens to report suspected fraud cases directly to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Special Crime Wing Kashmir, to help prevent similar incidents in the future.