DD Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against Bharat Bhushan Sharma, the former Managing Director of J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation (JKCHC), along with several revenue officials and beneficiaries, for their alleged involvement in the illegal occupation and allotment of state land in Bain Bajalta, Jammu.
A preliminary enquiry (PE) was conducted to investigate allegations that JKCHC had purchased 392 kanals of private land to develop a housing colony. However, in the process, the corporation, in collusion with revenue officials, illegally occupied an additional 584 kanals of land, including state-owned Kah Charai, Maqbuza Sarkar, and Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land.
Findings of the Investigation
The enquiry revealed that:
JKCHC illegally occupied 111 kanals and 17 marlas of state land while acquiring property in Bain Bajalta.
The corporation also took over 100 kanals and 15 marlas of land belonging to private owners who held rights under the J&K Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976, and Government Order No. S-432.
A well-planned conspiracy was allegedly hatched among JKCHC officials, revenue officers, and beneficiaries to transfer land rights fraudulently and establish a housing colony in violation of government regulations.
By misrepresenting facts and abusing their official positions, the accused allegedly facilitated illegal land transfers, thereby providing undue benefits to themselves and others.
Officials Named in the FIR
The case names several officials and individuals, including:
Bharat Bhushan Sharma – Former Managing Director, JKCHC
Shesh Paul Salgotra – Former Tehsildar, Jammu
Sanjay Badyal – Former Tehsildar, Jammu
Mahesh Chander – Former Naib Tehsildar, Sidhra
Farooq Hussain – Former Patwari, Halqa Bain Bajalta
Nek Mohammad – Former Patwari, Halqa Bain Bajalta
Additionally, several beneficiaries who received land through illegal means are also under investigation.
Legal Charges
The accused have been booked under:
J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006 – Sections 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) (Criminal misconduct by public servants)
Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) – Sections 420 (Cheating), 465 (Forgery), 467 (Forgery of valuable security), 468 (Forgery for cheating), 471 (Using forged documents as genuine), and 120-B (Criminal conspiracy).
The case has been registered as FIR No. 02/2025 at ACB Police Station, Central.
Ongoing Investigation
The ACB has stated that further investigations are underway, and more individuals involved in the fraudulent land grab may come under scrutiny. The case is expected to have significant legal and political implications, given its scale and the involvement of high-ranking officials.
This development comes amid increased anti-corruption measures in Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities intensifying crackdowns on land scams and fraudulent property transactions.(DD)
