Fake Accounts, Bogus Names: Police Probe Massive Transmission Line Compensation Scam

Srinagar, Sep 24: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday launched a series of coordinated raids at multiple locations in the valley as part of its ongoing probe into a massive fraudulent land compensation case. Officials confirmed that the searches were carried out in Bandipora and Budgam districts, targeting individuals and institutions allegedly involved in siphoning off crores of rupees meant for genuine landowners.

According to a police spokesperson, the case originated from complaints filed by villagers of Watrad, Dalabal, and Kachwari in Khansahib tehsil of Budgam. The complainants alleged that compensation due to them for land acquired under the 400 KV DC Samba-Amargarh Transmission Line project had been diverted to fictitious beneficiaries, while actual landowners were deliberately excluded. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fraud was orchestrated through the creation of bogus identities and fake bank accounts. These accounts were then used to withdraw the compensation amounts, reportedly in collusion with officials of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited, local land brokers, and certain bank employees.

Police identified four employees of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Mir, Ranjit Singh, and Samaliya Kumar as key suspects in the case, alongside other intermediaries. Their alleged actions amount to offenses punishable under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. “The investigation so far indicates a criminal conspiracy that not only deprived rightful landowners of their due but also undermined public trust in critical infrastructure projects,” the police spokesperson said.

The raids sought to gather further evidence, including documents, electronic records, and bank-related details, to establish the money trail. Authorities indicated that additional arrests are likely once the probe progresses. The case underscores the deepening concern over fraudulent practices linked to compensation processes in major developmental projects, which often leave vulnerable communities at a disadvantage while enabling unscrupulous elements to benefit.