Srinagar, Aug 19 (KNO): The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) Tuesday arrested Khursheed Ahmad Bhat (Pathwari) S/o Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Fatehpora, Ganderbal, in connection with a land fraud case.
“The accused, a serving Patwari, is the prime accused in a case involving fraudulent sale of land measuring 7 kanals and 2 marlas in Mouza Nuner, Ganderbal. Investigations reveal that Bhat, along with others, falsely posed as landowners and executed a fake sale agreement. The land was actually owned by a migrant Kashmiri Pandit and held under power of attorney by a third party,” a spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
The complainant had already paid Rs 1.19 crore out of the agreed Rs 2.76 crore before discovering the fraud. Preliminary investigation has established a criminal conspiracy involving impersonation and forged documents, the statement said, adding that a case has been registered under Sections 420, 468, 471, and 120-B of IPC at the Police Station, Economic Offences Wing. “Further investigation is in progress,” the statement reads.
The accused have been identified as Khurshid Ahmad Bhat (Patwari) S/o Ghulam Nabi Bhat, R/o Fatepora Ganderbal, Ghulam Nabi Bhat S/o Ghulam Rasool Bhat, R/o Fatepora Ganderbal, Abdul Rashid Parray S/o Abdul Gani Parray, R/o Pandach Ganderbal and Sajid Rashid Parray S/o Abdul Rashid Parray, R/o Pandach Ganderbal.
The case was registered following a written complaint wherein the complainant alleged that the accused, led by Khurshid Ahmad Bhat, a serving Patwari fraudulently posed as landowners and entered into an agreement for sale of land measuring 7 kanals and 2 marlas in Mouza Nuner, Ganderbal.
The land was falsely represented as belonging to the accused, whereas it was later discovered to be owned by a migrant Kashmiri Pandit and held under power of attorney by a third party—(KNO)