Srinagar, May 19: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday conducted searches at Semsaan area of Budgam in connection with an alleged land fraud case involving nearly Rs 93 lakh.
Officials said the searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 17/2026 registered at Police Station EOW Kashmir under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against accused persons Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar of Jawalpora Budgam and Soom Nath Koul of Bangalore North Karnataka and Janipur Jammu.
According to investigators, the complainant was allegedly duped into purchasing five kanals of migrant land situated at Drusu in Pulwama along with 300 standing trees in Bijbehara through fabricated agreements and false documentation.
Probe conducted by the EOW revealed that accused Soom Nath Koul had allegedly impersonated himself as the authorised attorney holder of the original landowners, while co-accused Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar acted as a witness during the transactions.
Investigators further found that neither the land nor the trees were owned by the accused persons, indicating a well-planned fraud conspiracy aimed at cheating the complainant of a huge amount.
Officials said the raids at Semsaan Budgam were conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrates to seize incriminating material and gather further evidence related to the case.
The Crime Branch stated that further investigation is in progress.
Meanwhile, the general public has been advised to remain cautious against economic frauds and immediately report such incidents to SSP EOW Srinagar, Abdul Waheed Shah. Victims of financial fraud can also submit complaints through the official email address of the Economic Offences Wing, officials added.(KNC)
