Diplomat Correspondent
Nagrota, Jammu,(DD): In a significant move showcasing the victim-centric vision of India’s new criminal laws, Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Sh. Nalin Prabhat, on Monday presided over a special function at Police Station Nagrota where Rs 1.53 crore was distributed among 22 victims of a Rs 2.39 crore job scam busted by Jammu Police.
The event, a first-of-its-kind under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), was attended by IGP Jammu Zone Sh. B.S. Tuti, DIG JSK Range Sh. Shiv Kumar Sharma, and SSP Jammu Sh. Joginder Singh, along with officers from the Army, CRPF, civil administration, zonal SPs, SDPOs, and SHOs from across Jammu district.
SSP Jammu Joginder Singh and SP Rural Brijesh Sharma briefed the gathering on the case investigation, lauding the swift and high-quality probe led by SHO Nagrota, Inspector Parvez Sajad, under the supervision of SDPO Nagrota and SP Rural. The team successfully used provisions under the new criminal laws to ensure timely justice and recovery.
Landmark Action Under BNSS
In a pioneering use of BNSS, Jammu Police executed its first-ever property attachment in a criminal case. The scam, exposed after a complaint by Arun Sharma of Nagrota on 6 November 2024, involved Harpreet Singh, who posed as a Lieutenant Colonel and cheated individuals by promising jobs in prestigious government bodies. An FIR (No. 293/2024) was registered at Police Station Nagrota under sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, and 340(2) of the BNSS. He was arrested the next day.
Investigations revealed that Harpreet Singh had funneled scam proceeds into the purchase of a duplex building in Channi Bheja, worth over Rs 2.22 crore, through a sale agreement executed between co-accused Surinder Singh’s wife Kamaljeet Kour and Harpreet’s mother Paramjeet Kour. Financial trails confirmed that Rs 1.93 crore had been paid using defrauded funds.
Acting on police recommendations, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, ordered attachment of the said property under Section 107(5) of the BNSS on 18 January 2025, a move executed by the Tehsildar Bahu. Kamaljeet Kour, during proceedings, admitted to receiving Rs 1.53 crore from Harpreet and voluntarily agreed to refund the amount — Rs 50 lakh within 7 days and the remaining Rs 1.03 crore in two months.
The court directed that a dedicated account be opened by SSP Jammu for the collection and distribution of the refunded amount. Rs 75 lakh had already been distributed among 17 victims earlier. On Monday, the remaining Rs 78 lakh was handed over to 22 verified victims via cheques.
DGP Highlights Role of Police Under New Criminal Laws
DGP Nalin Prabhat praised the efforts of Jammu Police, terming the case a model of effective policing and victim-centric justice. “Our guiding principle is clear — don’t touch the innocent and don’t spare the guilty,” he said, quoting the vision laid down by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
He emphasized that the newly enacted criminal laws are being implemented on the ground and are built around victim restitution, timely investigation, and property seizure from culprits.
The DGP lauded the role of police in standing by the distressed and acting as an anchor for the unsupported. “For those in pain or without any support, the police is their first and last hope. This case proves that,” he said.
Commenting on the scam, Prabhat warned the public against falling prey to fraudsters. “Why do we keep slipping on the same banana peel? Let’s open our eyes before the damage is done,” he urged, adding that while crime cannot be fully eradicated, an alert society is the best defense.
He urged officers to strive for excellence. “I often tell my team — aim for a Nobel in Physics or a gold in Mathematics. Be multi-skilled, play every role, and be agents of real change,” he said.
A New Chapter in Criminal Justice
The DGP congratulated the entire team led by SHO Parvez Sajad, SDPO Vinod Kundal, SP Rural Brijesh Sharma, and SSP Joginder Singh for their professionalism. He also acknowledged the legal guidance by Senior Prosecuting Officer Altaf Wahid and financial expertise by Accounts Officer Kamal Bhagat.
The successful refund marks J&K’s first implementation of victim restitution under BNSS, setting a strong precedent for future economic offence investigations. It highlights a shift toward a more accountable and victim-oriented justice system.(DD)
