Srinagar Feb 27 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau presented a chargesheet against the then Executive Officer of Municipal Committee Kupwara, the then Khilafwarzi Inspector MC Kupwara, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, attorney holder, for alleged illegal building permission, encroachment and construction on notified land meant for construction and expansion of Bus Stand Kupwara.
A complaint was received by ACB against the Executive Officer MC Kupwara and others alleging illegal building permissions, encroachment and illegal construction on municipal land acquired by the government for Bus Stand Kupwara, for which compensation had already been paid.
Accordingly, a Joint Surprise Check was initiated. The check revealed that various irregularities were committed by the then Executive Officer MC Kupwara, Bashir Ahmad Dar, in sanctioning building permission to Ghulam Mohammad Mir for construction of a shopping complex at Bus Adda Regipora Kupwara. The land was allegedly encroached and notified. On culmination of the probe, FIR No 14 of 2022 was registered and investigation was set into motion.
Investigation revealed that the accused Executive Officer issued two building permissions for construction of a double storey shopping complex in favour of Ghulam Mohammad Mir, attorney holder of land measuring 01 Kanal and 16 Marlas under Khasra No 661. The permissions were allegedly issued without following due process and without seeking mandatory NOC from the Town Planning Organization, in violation of the Jammu and Kashmir Control of Building Operation Act 1988.
It was also found that the land on which the building was constructed had already been acquired for public purpose and notified for construction of Bus Stand Kupwara. The investigation stated that once land is acquired, ownership and land use are tied to the specific public project and vest with the government or the concerned department. Private parties do not hold legal title to apply for building permission after acquisition.
During investigation, it also surfaced that the building permission case of the beneficiary had earlier been declined several times by predecessors of the accused officer due to legal impediments of the site. These impediments were reflected in note paragraphs and joint inspection reports in the building permission file. The investigation alleged that a loss of Rs 57,37,500 was caused to the state exchequer as the government had already paid compensation for part of the land where illegal construction took place. It was further alleged that the action jeopardized the future prospects of the Regipora Kupwara Bus Stand construction and expansion project by giving preference to individual interest over public interest.
After completion of investigation, a chargesheet was presented against Bashir Ahmad Dar, the then Executive Officer MC Kupwara, Mohammad Abdullah Malik, the then Khilafwarzi Inspector MC Kupwara, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir for alleged commission of offences under Section 5(1)(c)(d) read with 5(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act Svt 2006 and Section 120 B RPC before the Special Judge Anti Corruption Court Baramulla.
The court has fixed April 18, 2026 as the next date of hearing in the case.(KNS)
