The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against a revenue officer and another individual in a 2015 land fraud case, leading to their remand to judicial custody by an Anti-Corruption Court in Anantnag.
The chargesheet was produced before the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Anantnag, against Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, of Babapora Kulgam, and Mohammad Yousuf Dar of Harnag, Anantnag.
EoW said the case originated from a complaint alleging that Mushtaq Bhat, then serving as Patwari, entered into a criminal conspiracy with the complainant’s brothers to fraudulently mutate land at Khandipahari Harnag. This was done despite the land being under litigation and a status quo order issued by the Court, which was duly reflected in revenue records.
EoW Investigations revealed that the Patwari concealed material facts, facilitated the sale of a portion of the disputed land, and prepared fraudulent mutations. Accused Yousuf Dar was also found to have procured a fake and forged gift deed purportedly executed by his mother. The alleged witnesses to the deed denied any involvement.
The complainant further stated that the Patwari demanded money for providing revenue extracts and that no departmental action was taken despite approaching senior revenue authorities.
Upon enquiry, the allegations were found prima facie substantiated, leading to the registration of FIR in 2015 under sections 420, 468, 471, 120-B RPC, and 5(2) PC Act at Police Station Crime Branch Kashmir.
After thorough investigation, the chargesheet was filed for judicial determination.
During the course of proceedings, the Court remanded the accused Mushtaq Bhat and Mohammad Yousuf Dar to judicial lock-up.
