JAMMU: The Crime Branch (Economic Offences Wing) Jammu has registered a case against certain officers and officials of the Revenue Department in Ramban and others for their alleged involvement in serious irregularities related to land acquisition cases in the district.
The action was taken following a written communication from the Deputy Commissioner Ramban, forwarded through the Crime Headquarters J&K, seeking an investigation into the alleged irregularities and legal action against the officials found involved.
According to officials, preliminary scrutiny revealed that certain individuals had allegedly manipulated revenue records and raised compensation claims for land recorded as State land, raising serious concerns about the legality and authenticity of such claims.
The land in question is officially recorded under the ownership and possession of the government. However, private individuals were reportedly shown as possessors in the Field Book and Apportionment Statement, which facilitated the filing of compensation claims despite lacking legal validity.
Authorities have identified 20 land acquisition cases involving compensation claims for State land. The land involved measures approximately 327 kanals and 9 marlas, while the compensation claimed or awarded in these cases is estimated to be around ₹18.57 crore.
Officials said the contents of the communication prima facie disclose the commission of cognizable offences. Accordingly, an FIR has been registered at Police Station Crime Branch (EOW) Jammu under Sections 420, 465, 468 and 120-B RPC, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, against the concerned Revenue Department officials and other individuals.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to conduct an in-depth investigation into the matter.
