NewKerala.com

Key Points

The J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau has uncovered a major land scam involving prime evacuee property on Srinagar's upscale Gupkar Road. Officials from revenue and custodian departments allegedly colluded with private individuals to illegally swap valuable land. They bypassed mandatory defence clearances and violated high court directives while falsifying records. The investigation has registered an FIR and is pursuing arrests for this serious breach of public trust.

Key Points: J&K ACB Uncovers Gupkar Road Evacuee Property Land Scam

  • 17 marlas of prime evacuee land illegally swapped for inferior property
  • Revenue and custodian department officials colluded with private beneficiaries
  • Mandatory defence clearance and court orders deliberately bypassed
  • Land records were falsified and tenancy columns tampered with
3 min read

J&K anti-graft body unearths illegal transfer of evacuee property in Srinagar's upscale Gupkar Road

Anti-Corruption Bureau exposes illegal land transfer involving senior officials on Srinagar's prime Gupkar Road, uncovering major revenue department corruption.

"The ACB has launched a criminal investigation into a large-scale evacuee property land scam involving senior government officials and private beneficiaries. - ACB SSP Javed Hassan"

Srinagar, Oct 11

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) said on Saturday that it has unearthed a large land scam involving the illegal transfer of evacuee property situated on the Gupkar Road in Srinagar city.

Srinagar, Oct 11 (IANS) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) said on Saturday that it has unearthed a large land scam involving the illegal transfer of evacuee property situated on the Gupkar Road in Srinagar city. ACB SSP, Javed Hassan told the media on Saturday, “The ACB has launched a criminal investigation into a large-scale evacuee property land scam involving senior government officials and private beneficiaries.

“The case centres on the illegal exchange and manipulation of prime evacuee land located on Gupkar Road, one of Srinagar’s most valuable areas. The officials of the Revenue Department and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department colluded with private individuals to execute an unlawful land swap.

“About 17 marlas of evacuee land were exchanged with property of far lesser value at another site. The exchange was carried out without the mandatory No Objection Certificate from the Defence Estates Office and in violation of Jammu and Kashmir High Court directions.

“Investigators found that the officials deliberately ignored legal procedures, falsified land records, and approved fake revenue entries to benefit private parties.

“The enquiry revealed that tenancy columns and revenue extracts were tampered with to disguise ownership details. The evacuee property on Gupkar Road holds both high commercial and strategic value, making the manipulation a serious breach of public trust.

“The ACB found that mandatory scrutiny and NOC requirements were intentionally bypassed, pointing to a premeditated conspiracy. The alleged acts constitute criminal misconduct, forgery, abuse of position, and conspiracy, causing significant financial loss to the government.

“An FIR No. 19/2025 has been registered at ACB Police Station Srinagar 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.

“The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full conspiracy, trace illegal financial transactions, and fix individual accountability.

“Arrests and departmental actions are likely. We urge citizens to stay alert and report any corruption or illegal dealings involving public servants through its official helpline and communication channels."

It must be mentioned that evacuee properties are lands left behind by locals who went to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) before 1947.

Constitutionally, such citizens continue to be Indian citizens and their properties are held in trust by the state custodian department till the real owners or their inheritors return back to J&K.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so disappointing. Revenue Department officials colluding with private parties to manipulate land records? This is why common people suffer. Hope ACB takes strict action against all corrupt elements.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate ACB's efforts, I'm concerned about the timing. Such scams have been going on for decades in J&K. Why only now? This feels like selective targeting for political reasons. The investigation should be transparent and fair.
A
Aditya G
Gupkar Road is one of the most expensive areas in Srinagar. 17 marlas of prime land exchanged for inferior property? This is daylight robbery! The officials involved should be suspended immediately. 👍
N
Nisha Z
Evacuee properties belong to people who left for PoK but are still Indian citizens. Their properties should be protected, not stolen by corrupt officials. This is a betrayal of trust. Hope justice is served quickly.
M
Michael C
Good to see anti-corruption efforts in J&K. This kind of systemic corruption hurts development and public faith in institutions. The ACB helpline is a good initiative - citizens should use it to report corruption.
K
Kavya N
Tampering with tenancy columns and revenue extracts shows how deeply corruption has penetrated our system. This isn't just about money - it's about national security too, given

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50