Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) on Tuesday arrested a patwari (revenue official) in connection with a land fraud case.
According to a statement issued here by CBK, the accused has been identified as Khursheed Ahmad Bhat (Patwari) son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Fatehpora, Ganderbal.
“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,” the statement reads, adding, “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.”
The complainant had already paid Rs. 1.19 crore out of the agreed Rs. 2.76 crore before discovering the fraud, the CBK said.
“Preliminary investigation has established a criminal conspiracy involving impersonation and forged documents,” the CBK said, adding, “A case has been registered under Sections 420, 468, 471, and 120-B of IPC at Police Station, Economic Offences Wing. Further investigation is in progress.”