Srinagar | September 24, 2025 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has unearthed a multi-crore land compensation scam linked to the 400 KV DC Samba-Amargrah transmission line. Multiple raids are currently underway in Bandipora and Budgam districts.
According to an official statement, the investigation was initiated following a complaint alleging that compensation for land under the transmission line in Watrad, Dalabal, Kachwari Tehsil Khansahib, Budgam, was fraudulently released to non-existent individuals, while genuine landowners were denied their dues.
Preliminary findings indicate that crores of rupees were withdrawn through fake bank accounts in the names of bogus persons. The scam allegedly involved employees of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited, in collusion with land brokers and certain bank officials.
The names of those involved include:
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Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, S/o Mohammad Akbar Lone, R/o Watrad Dalabal, Budgam
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Bilal Ahmad Mir, S/o Gh. Ahmad Mir, R/o Patushai Watpora, Bandipora
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Ranjit Singh and Samaliya Kumar, employees of M/s Unitac Power Transmission Limited
The offences fall under Sections 409, 419, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B of the RPC. Further house searches at multiple locations are ongoing.
The EOW stated that the operation is part of a broader crackdown on fraudulent land compensation claims, aiming to ensure that rightful landowners are not deprived of their dues.
