J&K: Land Fraud Racket Busted in Baramulla, 7 Arrested

SRINAGAR, Apr 10: Police in Baramulla district have foiled a major land fraud attempt in Wussan Kunzer, arresting seven persons for allegedly impersonating officials and posing as land brokers to dupe a buyer.

The accused fabricated ownership claims over a 13.5-kanal land parcel and presented an associate as the owner. One of them allegedly impersonated a patwari while others posed as revenue officials to make the deal appear genuine, police said.

The complainant, Abdul Ahad Malik of Panzi Nara Shalteng, had already paid Rs 4.10 lakh—Rs 4 lakh in cash and Rs 10,000 via bank transfer—and was being pressured to arrange an additional Rs 20 lakh when police intervened.

The arrested have been identified as Ghulam Mohammad Wani of Pulwama, Masood Ahmad Wani of Pir Bagh Srinagar, Mohammad Yousuf Wani of Pandithpora Kunzer Baramulla, Mohammad Abdullah Mir of Shilwat Sonawari Bandipora, Bilal Parray of Markundal, Fayaz Ahmad Khanday of Takkanwari Srinagar, and Riyaz Ahmad Mir of Sheikhzoo Ganderbal.

Police said Mohammad Wani impersonated a patwari, while Masood Wani posed as the son of the purported owner, with others acting as brokers in the fraudulent transaction.

Forged revenue documents related to land at Wussan Bangil were recovered and seized during the operation. A case has been registered at Police Station Kunzer under relevant sections of the BNS, and further investigation is underway.

Police have advised the public to verify land records and identities through official channels before entering into property transactions.