CBK busts multi-crore land compensation scam in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 24: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir on Wednesday busted a multi-crore land compensation scam in Kashmir. In this connection, the Crime Branch Kashmir also carried out multiple searches in Budgam and Bandipora, officials said.

In a statement, an official spokesperson stated that "The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir on Wednesday carried out multiple searches in Districts of Bandipora and Budgam in connection with a case of fraudulent land compensation claims related to the 400 KV DC Samba-Amargrah Transmission Line".

He said, the case was registered following a complaint alleging that compensation for land falling under the transmission line in Villages Watrad, Dalabal, Kachwari Tehsil Khansahib, Budgam, had been fraudulently released in favour of non-existent persons, while genuine landowners were deprived.

Investigation has revealed that compensation running into crores of rupees was fraudulently withdrawn in the names of bogus persons through fake bank accounts by employees of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited, in connivance with land brokers and certain bank officials, he added.

He further stated that the involvement of Mushtaq Ahmad Lone S/o Mohammad Akbar Lone R/o Watrad Dalabal Tehsil Khanshab, Budgam; Bilal Ahmad Mir S/o Gh. Ahmad Mir R/o Patushai Watpora, Bandipora; Ranjit Singh and Samaliya Kumar (employees of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited); along with others has surfaced, disclosing offences punishable under Sections 409, 419, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B RPC.

"Further House searches at multiple locations are underway." He added.