Petitioner Alleges Delay in Probe, Seeks Fair Investigation Into Alleged Financial Fraud
Jammu, July 23: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Police to place an Action Taken Report (ATR) before the Court in connection with a petition alleging a ₹27 lakh hotel booking fraud and inordinate delay in the investigation.
The direction was issued by Justice M.A. Chowdhary while hearing a petition filed by Bodh Raj Sharma, who alleged that he was duped of ₹27 lakh paid in advance for booking Hotel Ramada Plaza (formerly Aureum Grand), Samba, for his daughter’s wedding.
The petitioner, represented by Senior Advocate Aseem Kumar Sawhney, along with Advocates Tehseena Bukhari and Mohd. Kashif Malik, submitted before the Court that despite filing a formal complaint before the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Crime Branch Jammu, on February 2, 2026, no FIR has been registered so far.
According to the petition, the complainant alleged that individuals claiming to be representatives of the hotel management persuaded him to transfer advance booking payments through banking channels. However, after the booking was allegedly cancelled, the amount was not refunded and was instead misappropriated.
The plea further states that during a subsequent settlement, a cheque worth ₹25 lakh was issued to the complainant, but the cheque was later dishonoured by the bank with the remark “Payment Stopped by Drawer.”
The petitioner has alleged that the incident discloses the commission of cognizable offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and sought directions for a prompt, impartial and effective investigation. As an alternative relief, the petitioner also requested the Court to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Appearing on behalf of the respondents, Advocate Nazia Fazal, representing Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, accepted notice before the Court.
After considering the submissions and noting that the complaint has remained pending since February 2026, the High Court directed the concerned authorities to file an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the next date of hearing.
The case has now been listed for further hearing on August 10, 2026.
