An in-depth investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch has revealed a systematic racket in which property is sold multiple times to different buyers after land records are manipulated. An organised land mafia operating in connivance with revenue officials has been unearthed in Kashmir.
“I contacted senior officers, including District Collector Srinagar, Syed Abid Rashid Shah. The DC ordered a probe, and it took years to establish that the Tehsildar had manipulated land records in connivance with a broker. “Following investigations, the Revenue Secretary revoked the fraudulent mutation and restored my ownership. But I am still unable to get back possession of my land. Both are currently out on bail.
During the process, I found dozens of people who have been duped by an organised land mafia,” said Manzoor. They (officials) say it is a civil matter now and only a court can restore possession,” said Manzoor. A senior Crime Branch official said they arrested Tehsildar Nusrat Aziz and land broker Reyaz Ahmad Bhat in connection with the fraud last year. “So far, no departmental action has been taken against the accused Tehsildar, despite her being arrested for 15 days and a chargesheet being filed in the case,” the officer added.
“The accused Tehsildar was in our custody for 15 days, and we have already filed a chargesheet in the case,” the Crime Branch officer who supervised the probe said.
Out of the half-acre land, one Kanal was also transferred to the accused revenue officer, the investigation revealed. In Manzoor’s case, investigators found that the accused Revenue official cancelled the mutation and allowed Bhat to obtain a fresh land extract and sell the property again.
