A special court in Budgam district of Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday ordered the attachment of over 1.5 kanals of land belonging to US-based Kashmiri lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Shah, also known as Dr Fai.
The prosecution sought attachment of the property of Fai, under Section 83 of the Criminal Procedure Code (now Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita), on the ground that the court had in April declared him an absconder in connection with FIR No. 46/2020, registered for offences under Sections 10, 13 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The prosecution has sought attachment of the personal property of Fai, comprising land measuring 1 kanal and 2 marlas in village Wadwan and 11 marlas in village Chattabugh of Budgam district.
“This Court is satisfied from the record that the accused despite being given an opportunity to appear before the IO (investigation officer) has deliberately and intentionally concealed himself, as such, this Court is constrained to issue order for attachment of property in terms of Section 83 of Cr.P.C (85 of BNSS),” the Special Judge (NIA) Budgam Yahaya Firdous said in the order.
“..this Court directs District Collector Budgam to attach the immovable property of land measuring 01 Kanal and 02 Marlas under Khewat No. 60, Survey No. 466 in village Wadwan and land measuring 11 Marlas under Khewat No. 136 Survey No. 343 situated at village Chattabugh and take the possession forthwith,” the order read.
Before proceeding with the attachment, the Court directed the District Collector, Budgam, to seek assistance from the Revenue authorities for proper identification and demarcation of the properties in question.
The Court further ordered the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Budgam, to provide necessary support to the District Collector, if required, during the attachment process.
Fai has long been associated with separatist leaders in Kashmir. He moved to the United States in 1977 to pursue higher studies and later acquired US citizenship. Fai is the Chairman of the World Forum for Peace & Justice.
