An investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has led to the filing of a detailed case against multiple individuals over allegations of fraudulent land transactions. The land involved was public “custodian land,” legally owned by the state and intended to benefit citizens through formal processes. However, EOW sources say this property was allegedly transferred unlawfully for personal gain, resulting in significant public loss.
EOW officials have not released the exact monetary value involved, but describe the case as potentially involving several crores INR, highlighting the scale and audacity of the alleged scam.
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A Network of Allegations — Who Is Under Fire
At the core of the investigation lies a complex scheme involving dubious paperwork, forged transfer documents, and manipulated land records. Officials allege that key insiders, including revenue officers, local middlemen, and even legal professionals, conspired to facilitate the illegal sale or regularisation of custodian land.
Similar fraud schemes have previously surfaced across Jammu, notably one involving the misuse of Form 3-A and power of attorney documents used to deceive Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) refugees offering cash in exchange for their signatures, then altering records to match illicit claims. These schemes have been linked to losses running into the hundreds of crores.
EOW’s case reportedly includes seizures and testimony from whistleblowers within the revenue machinery, as well as documents suggesting that forged approvals enabled land to pass into private hands with false legitimacy.
Impact and Path Forward
Land fraud in Jammu and Kashmir is not new—it reflects deep-rooted administrative vulnerabilities. Custodian land, meant for public welfare, has too often become a vehicle for corruption. Public trust and state revenue both suffer when officials misuse their positions to manipulate land transfers.
EOW is now expected to intensify searches, conduct financial audits, and secure legal action against those implicated. Their success may mark a pivotal step toward restoring faith in land governance and ensuring custodial property fulfills its intended public purpose.
