JAMMU, Aug 12, 2025 : In a massive crackdown, the Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has exposed a large-scale land scam involving the illegal usurpation of Custodian land in Asarwan, Mishriwala, and Bhalwal areas of Jammu district.
According to the ACB, thousands of kanals of land meant for displaced persons from Pakistan-administered Kashmir were fraudulently grabbed by land mafia in collusion with Form Alaf holders and officials of the Revenue and Custodian departments. Revenue records were allegedly tampered with, fake orders issued, and land illegally sold, causing huge losses to the government exchequer.
Fresh verification revealed that around 150 kanals were fraudulently mutated in the names of ineligible persons—often relatives of already-allotted beneficiaries—without valid government orders. These plots were later sold off, directly or via conduits.
On establishing a prima facie criminal nexus, the ACB registered eight new FIRs at its Central Police Station in J&K under charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery.
The accused include several present and former Revenue officials, such as Suresh Sharma (then Patwari), Mohit Gupta (then Tehsildar), and Kuldeep Singh, along with others from across Jammu and adjoining districts. Also named are multiple private individuals allegedly involved in the fraudulent transfers. Investigations are underway.
