Srinagar, May 19 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Kashmir on Tuesday conducted house searches in Budgam district in connection with a Rs 93 lakh land fraud case involving the alleged sale of migrant land and standing trees through fake agreements, officials said.
A spokesperson of the EOW Kashmir said the searches were carried out at Semsaan area of Budgam in connection with FIR No. 17/2026 registered under sections 318(4), 336(3), 340 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station EOW Kashmir.
The case pertains to an alleged fraud involving accused Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar of Jawalpora, Budgam, and Soom Nath Koul of Bangalore North, Karnataka and Janipur, Jammu, the spokesperson said.
“Investigation revealed that the complainant was allegedly induced to purchase five kanals of migrant land at Drusu in Pulwama and 300 standing trees at Bijbehara through fake agreements. Soom Nath Koul allegedly posed as attorney holder of the original owners, while Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar acted as a witness,” the spokesperson said.
The investigation further revealed that neither the land nor the trees belonged to the accused, the official said.
“Consequently, in continuation of the investigation, house searches were carried out at Semsaan, Budgam in the presence of Executive Magistrates to collect incriminating material and other evidence relevant to the case,” the spokesperson added.
The EOW has advised the general public to remain vigilant against economic fraudsters and report any such incidents directly to SSP EOW Srinagar (Crime Branch J&K), Abdul Waheed Shah.
Victims of economic fraud may also submit complaints through the official email: sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in, the spokesperson said. (KNS)
