Tampering with Revenue Records Leads to Allegations of Fraudulent Payments
Srinagar, 12 April 2025: A High-Profile Case Unfolds
The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday said to have produced a charge-sheet against 22 persons, including prominent political figures Aga Syed Ruhullah and prominent Shia leader Agha Syed Hassan, for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent land compensation case in Budgam. The charge sheet was filed in connection with tampering of revenue records and the withdrawal of fraudulent payments, leading to a significant loss to the state exchequer.
The case, registered under FIR No. 18/2009, invokes provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act Svt. 2006, along with Sections 120-B, 467, 468, and 471 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The investigation was initiated following a Joint Surprise Check (JSC) by the ACB, which revealed tampering and manipulation of land records under a government scheme intended to rehabilitate Dal dwellers.
Modus Operandi: Falsifying Land Records
The probe found that several officials from the Rakhs and Farms Department, in connivance with revenue officials and private individuals, manipulated revenue records to inflate the actual land holdings of certain tenants (Kamas) at Rakh-e-Aerth, Budgam. These inflated land figures enabled the beneficiaries to claim excessive compensation under Government Order No. 56-Rev(S) of 2006.
Details of the Case
The ACB’s investigation revealed that officials from the Revenue and Agriculture Departments, in collusion with beneficiaries, manipulated land records to inflate the quantum of land possession. This fraudulent activity led to undue payments amounting to ₹38.20 lakh.
Key allegations include:
- Tampering with Revenue Records: Land possession was inflated from 6 kanals to 60 kanals under Khasra No. 1692, and similar discrepancies were found in other records.
- Conspiracy Among Officials and Beneficiaries: The accused allegedly conspired to misuse their positions for personal gain, violating multiple sections of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code.
Prominent Accused
Among the 22 individuals named in the charge sheet are:
- Aga Ruhullah Mehdi: A Member of Parliament and a prominent figure in the National Conference.
- Aga Hassan: Another influential figure implicated in the case.
- Retired Government Officials: Several retired public servants from the Revenue and Agriculture Departments.
- Beneficiaries: Locals who allegedly colluded with officials to claim excessive compensation.
- Abdul Majid Akhtar, S/O Abdul Ahad Akhtar, R/O Saraiballa Srinagar (currently residing in Chanapora Srinagar) – then Patwari, Rakhs and Farms Department (now retired)
- Zaffar Ahmad Hakak, S/O Ghulam Ahmad Hakak, R/O Dokani Sangeen, Fatehkadal (now at Habib Colony, Baghat Barzulla Srinagar) – then Assistant Director, Rakhs and Farms Department (now retired)
- Manzoor Ahmad Rather, S/O Ghulam Hassan Rather, R/O Dehrana Dooru, District Anantnag – then Senior Circle Inspector, Rakhs and Farms Department (now retired)
- Ali Mohammad Wani, S/O Abdul Gani Wani, R/O Habbak Naseembagh, Hazratbal Srinagar – then Girdawar, Rakhs and Farms Kashmir (now retired)
- Hafiz-ullah Shah, S/O Peer Ghulam Mohammad Shah, R/O Khiagam, Pulwama – then Collector, LAWDA (now retired)
- Mohammad Hussain Mir, S/O Qasim Ali Mir, R/O S.K. Colony, Sector 3, Qamarwari Srinagar – then Collector, LAWDA (now retired)
Accused Beneficiaries
The private individuals who allegedly benefitted from the fraudulent compensation include:
- Aga Syed Mussa, S/O Aga Syed Hussain, R/O Budgam
- Aga Syed Aqueel, S/O Aga Syed Hussain, R/O Budgam
- Aga Syed Mohsin, S/O Aga Syed Mustafa, R/O Budgam
- Aga Syed Ali, S/O Aga Syed Mustafa, R/O Budgam
- Aga Syed Hassan, S/O Aga Syed Mustafa, R/O Budgam
- Aga Syed Ahmad, S/O Aga Syed Mustafa, R/O Budgam
- Aga Syed Rohullah, S/O Aga Syed Mehdi, R/O Budgam
- Mohammad Sadiq Wani, S/O Hassan Wani, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Mohammad Talib Wani, S/O Hassan Wani, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Ali Mohammad Wani, S/O Hassan Wani, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Ghulam Hussain Wani, S/O Hassan Wani, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Abdul Rahim Wani, S/O Hassan Wani, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Hyder Ali Wani, S/O Hassan Wani, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Nazir Ahmad Wani, S/O Ghulam Ahmad, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Ghulam Rasool Wani, S/O Ghulam Ahmad Wani, R/O Durbal, Bemina
- Ahamadullah Dar (deceased), S/O Ghulam Mohammad Dar, R/O Kolipora, Bemina
Judicial Proceedings Underway
The chargesheet, filed on April 12, 2025, marks a significant step forward in the long-pending investigation. The ACB has stated that the inquiry has established clear misuse of official position, criminal conspiracy, and tampering with official records to embezzle government funds. The case is now before the Special Anti-Corruption Court for judicial determination.
Legal Proceedings
The charge sheet was filed before the Special Anti-Corruption Judge in Srinagar, marking a significant step in the judicial determination of the case. The ACB has emphasized its commitment to holding all accused accountable and recovering losses incurred by the state.
Public Reaction and Implications
The case has sparked widespread debate in Jammu and Kashmir, with many calling for stringent action against those involved. Critics argue that such fraudulent activities undermine public trust in government institutions and highlight the need for systemic reforms.
Looking Ahead
As the case progresses, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability in the judicial process. The ACB’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in combating corruption and safeguarding public resources.
