Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of the Crime Branch J&K recorded a productive and impactful year in 2025 by taking decisive action against a wide range of economic crimes across the Kashmir Valley, officials said.
Working in adherence to its mandate of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, the EOW dealt with complex cases involving fraud, cheating, forgery, and financial irregularities, thereby strengthening public confidence in governance and institutional systems.
During the year, EOW Kashmir demonstrated strong investigative capabilities by disposing of 100 FIRs related to serious and intricate economic offences. Officials said these cases required meticulous scrutiny, detailed examination of documentary and digital evidence, and sustained coordination with various government departments, banks, and financial institutions. The timely disposal of these cases was attributed to the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of the officers and staff of the Wing.
In addition to registered cases, the EOW played a significant role in public grievance redressal. A total of 1,270 complaints received from members of the public and government agencies were examined and resolved during 2025. Each complaint was assessed on factual and legal grounds, with appropriate legal action initiated wherever required, while other matters were resolved through lawful guidance to ensure transparency, procedural fairness, and timely relief.
Preventive vigilance remained a key focus area throughout the year. The Wing conducted 290 preliminary and miscellaneous enquiries to verify facts at an early stage, identify cognisable offences, and prevent disputes from escalating. Several issues were resolved at the enquiry stage itself through legal clarification, thereby reducing unnecessary litigation and conserving public resources.
Officials said job-related frauds constituted a significant portion of the cases handled, including fraudulent promises of government employment and overseas job placements, often targeting unemployed youth. The EOW also investigated several cases of land fraud, impersonation, cheating, and document forgery, with special focus on illegal job consultancies operating in the Valley.
The Wing further addressed cases involving fraudulent insertions in revenue and service records, including the use of fake and forged certificates to obtain wrongful benefits under government schemes. Serious cases of misappropriation of public funds and criminal breach of trust by public servants were also investigated, leading to the detection of misuse of public resources. In addition, cases of corporate and company fraud involving financial irregularities and deceptive business practices were examined.
Despite an increase in workload and case complexity, officials said efficient disposal was ensured through close supervision, regular review meetings, and enhanced inter-agency coordination.
During 2025, organised networks of land brokers, habitual offenders, and professional fraudsters involved in systematic economic crimes were identified and booked under the law, sending a strong deterrent message.
The EOW reiterated its commitment to protecting public trust and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report economic offences promptly to help ensure a transparent and secure economic environment in the Valley.
