Srinagar, October 11, 2025:
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a major criminal investigation into an alleged large-scale scam involving the illegal exchange and manipulation of valuable evacuee property land in Srinagar. The probe has reportedly uncovered serious irregularities and fraudulent acts allegedly committed by officials of the Revenue Department and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department, in connivance with private individuals, for unlawful personal gain.
According to ACB sources, reliable information was received indicating that certain officers had facilitated the exchange of prime evacuee land measuring 5 kanals and 5 marlas against proprietary land measuring 5 kanals and 17 marlas located at the posh Gupkar Road, Srinagar. The exchange was allegedly executed without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Defence Estates Office and in blatant violation of the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, as well as established government norms governing such transactions.
Preliminary inquiry by the ACB revealed that the involved public servants had willfully ignored legal procedures, manipulated land records, and colluded with private parties to carry out the illegal exchange. The fraudulent act was aimed at granting undue benefits to select beneficiaries while inflicting a wrongful loss on the state exchequer.
Investigators found that official records were deliberately tampered with — including falsification of revenue extracts and tenancy details — to conceal the true ownership and tenancy status. Certain officials are alleged to have attested fake revenue entries, enabling the registration of evacuee property in private names. The exchanged land, located in one of Srinagar’s most high-value and strategically important areas, was found to be grossly undervalued.
Officials further noted that mandatory scrutiny by competent authorities and NOC from the Defence Estates Office were deliberately bypassed, suggesting a premeditated conspiracy among officials and private beneficiaries. The acts constitute criminal misconduct, abuse of official position, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under relevant laws, causing significant financial loss to the government and undermining the integrity of state-held evacuee assets.
Following the findings, the ACB registered FIR No. 19/2025 at its Srinagar Police Station under sections 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Section 120-B of the RPC.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing to trace the full chain of conspiracy, determine the extent of illegal financial transactions, and fix individual responsibility. Further arrests and departmental action are likely as the probe progresses.
The Bureau has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any information regarding corruption or illegal activities by public servants through its official helpline or communication channels.
