ACB files chargesheet against former revenue officials in corruption case
SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet against a former Patwari and an ex-Lumberdar before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, in connection with an alleged bribery case linked to the issuance of revenue reports and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for building permission applications.
The chargesheet has been filed against Fida Hussain Shah, the then Patwari of Halqa Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, and Manzoor Ahmad Mir, former Lumberdar of Gutiyar, Baramulla, in FIR No. 04/2024 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla.
According to the ACB, the case was registered on April 16, 2024, following a complaint alleging that the accused demanded illegal gratification for processing revenue and NOC reports required for building permission applications submitted by the complainant and his father.
During the investigation, the ACB said it collected oral, documentary, electronic and scientific evidence, including the recovery of the tainted money and forensic examination of relevant exhibits. The investigation also included witness statements, documentary records and digital evidence, which, the agency said, prima facie established the alleged involvement of the accused in the demand and acceptance of the bribe.
Following sanction for prosecution by the Jammu and Kashmir Government against the then Patwari, the ACB filed the chargesheet under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), read with Section 120-B of the IPC and other applicable provisions of law.
Both accused were produced before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, along with the chargesheet. The court has listed the matter for the next hearing on November 12, 2026. — (KIMS)
