The Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch Kashmir) Tuesday arrested Khursheed Ahmad Bhat (Pathwari) S/o Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Fatehpora, Ganderbal, in connection with a land fraud case.

“The accused, a serving Patwari, is the prime accused in a case involving fraudulent sale of land measuring 7 kanals and 2 marlas in Mouza Nuner, Ganderbal. Investigations reveal that Bhat, along with others, falsely posed as landowners and executed a fake sale agreement. The land was actually owned by a migrant Kashmiri Pandit and held under power of attorney by a third party,” a spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency.

The complainant had already paid Rs 1.19 crore out of the agreed Rs 2.76 crore before discovering the fraud. Preliminary investigation has established a criminal conspiracy involving impersonation and forged documents, the statement said, adding that a case has been registered under Sections 420, 468, 471, and 120-B of IPC at the Police Station, Economic Offences Wing. “Further investigation is in progress,” the statement reads.

The accused have been identified as Khurshid Ahmad Bhat (Patwari) S/o Ghulam Nabi Bhat, R/o Fatepora Ganderbal, Ghulam Nabi Bhat S/o Ghulam Rasool Bhat, R/o Fatepora Ganderbal, Abdul Rashid Parray S/o Abdul Gani Parray, R/o Pandach Ganderbal and Sajid Rashid Parray S/o Abdul Rashid Parray, R/o Pandach Ganderbal.

The case was registered following a written complaint wherein the complainant alleged that the accused, led by Khurshid Ahmad Bhat, a serving Patwari fraudulently posed as landowners and entered into an agreement for sale of land measuring 7 kanals and 2 marlas in Mouza Nuner, Ganderbal.

The land was falsely represented as belonging to the accused, whereas it was later discovered to be owned by a migrant Kashmiri Pandit and held under power of attorney by a third party