JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has uncovered a significant land scam involving around 310 kanals of Custodian land in Asarwan, Mishriwala, and Bhalwal areas of Jammu district. This follows a previous revelation of a similar scam involving approximately 210 kanals.
According to a statement from the ACB, the scam involved land being fraudulently seized by land mafia in collusion with Custodian, Revenue, and Police department officials. Revenue records were tampered with, and the land was sold to various individuals.
The investigation revealed that FORM 3-A (Form Alf) and power of attorneys (POAs) were obtained from POK refugees, who were promised additional land and paid between Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. This fraudulent activity led to further alterations in revenue records, enabling the illegal sale of the land.
The ACB has filed 10 FIRs against the involved parties for criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and fraud under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Search teams have been dispatched to twelve locations in Jammu and surrounding areas to gather evidence.
The investigation is ongoing to uncover more about the land grab and the roles played by Revenue, Police, and Custodian department officials.
