Migrant land fraud probe intensifies as BJP seeks protection of Kashmiri Pandit properties

Crime Branch conducts Budgam searches in alleged multi-crore scam; BJP presses administration to remove encroachments and address community grievances

Srinagar/Jammu Tawi, June 19: Concerns over the protection of migrant properties in Kashmir came into sharp focus on Friday as the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch intensified its investigation into an alleged multi-crore migrant land fraud case, while the BJP’s Kashmir Displaced District (KDD) unit urged district administrations across the Valley to act against encroachments on properties belonging to Kashmiri Pandits and address their long-pending grievances.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir conducted a search operation at a residential property in the Banit area of Beerwah in central Kashmir’s Budgam district as part of its ongoing probe into the alleged fraudulent sale of migrant land in Baramulla district.

Officials said the search was carried out in connection with a case registered at Police Station EOW Kashmir under relevant provisions of law. The case relates to the alleged illegal sale of migrant land measuring 14 kanals and 3 marlas at Goshbugh, Pattan in Baramulla district.

Investigators said the accused persons allegedly attempted to sell the property using forged documents, fake agreements and a well-planned criminal conspiracy without obtaining the consent of the actual landowner. During the investigation, five individuals were found involved in the fraud and accused of duping the complainant of crores of rupees on the pretext of facilitating the sale of the property.

The Crime Branch said the house search was aimed at collecting evidence and uncovering additional details linked to the alleged scam, adding that further legal action could follow depending on the findings of the investigation.

The EOW also advised the public to exercise caution while entering into property transactions and other financial dealings, urging victims of economic fraud to report such incidents to the Senior Superintendent of Police, EOW Kashmir, or through the wing’s official email for necessary action.

Meanwhile, highlighting broader concerns over the security and preservation of Kashmiri Pandit assets, the BJP’s Kashmir Displaced District unit held a series of meetings with deputy commissioners and senior revenue officials in several Valley districts, seeking the removal of encroachments from community properties and the organisation of dedicated grievance redressal camps for displaced employees under the Prime Minister’s Package.

A delegation led by KDD president Rajeev Pandita reiterated the party’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare and properties of Kashmiri Pandits. The delegation raised issues relating to alleged encroachments on residential, agricultural and temple lands belonging to the community, welfare measures for PM Package employees and concerns affecting non-displaced Kashmiri Pandits residing in the Valley.

During a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, the delegation sought a separate and safer access road to the Machbhawan transit accommodation housing PM Package employees. It also requested adequate arrangements for the forthcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Logripora in Ashmuqam and demanded a dedicated grievance redressal camp for PM Package employees. The district administration assured the delegation that such a camp would be organised shortly.

In Kupwara, the BJP delegation discussed the long-pending issue of compensation and land allotment for Kashmiri Pandit families from Tikker, whose properties have remained under the occupation of various government departments since 1990. The administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, took note of the matter and issued directions for its resolution. The delegation also visited the site identified for the proposed land allotment.

The BJP additionally sought protection of temple lands at Langet and Sadhu Ganga Asthapan Kandi, renovation of the historic Chandi Mata Mandir in Lolab, and proper arrangements for devotees attending the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tikker.

At Baramulla, the delegation met Deputy Commissioner Syed Fakhrudin Hamid and highlighted the need for renovation, reconstruction and removal of encroachments from five ancient temples in the Bomai-Idipora area of Tehsil Zangeer. Tehsildar Zangeer Zahid Rashid assured prompt action on the issues raised.

The BJP delegation also discussed the welfare, security and rehabilitation concerns of PM Package employees and non-displaced Kashmiri Pandits, stressing the need for sustained administrative support and confidence-building measures.

Describing the outreach as a significant step towards securing justice for the community, Rajeev Pandita said, “The protection of community assets, retrieval of illegally occupied properties, preservation of temples and shrines, and ensuring the safety and welfare of Kashmiri Pandits remain among the foremost priorities of BJP.”

He added that the initiative reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the welfare and development of all sections of society and asserted that the party would continue engaging with the administration until the genuine concerns of the community were addressed.

The twin developments underscore the growing focus on protecting migrant properties and addressing the long-standing issues faced by the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community in the Valley.