Jammu, March 16: Crime Branch (EOW) Jammu has registered a case against officers/officials of the Revenue Department Ramban and others for their alleged involvement in serious irregularities in certain land acquisition cases pertaining to District Ramban.
The action follows a written communication received from the Deputy Commissioner Ramban through Crime Headquarters J&K, requesting investigation into the matter and initiation of legal action against the officers/officials found involved.
On the basis of such communication the irregularities in the revenue records by certain individuals have reportedly preferred claims for compensation in respect of State land, raising serious concerns regarding the legality, genuineness and authenticity of such claims. The land in question stands recorded as State land under the lawful ownership and possession of the Government. Therefore, the reflection of private persons as possessors in the Field Book as well as Apportionment Statement is devoid of legal sanctity and has resulted in unwarranted compensation claims upon the State exchequer by illegal occupants.
It has further been reported that 20 land acquisition cases involving compensation claims for State land have been identified.
The total land involved in these cases is approximately 327 Kanal and 09 Marla and the compensation amount claimed/awarded is reported to be around Rs. 18,57,57,787/-.
The contents of the communication, prima facie, disclose the commission of cognizable offences. Accordingly, FIR under Sections 420, 465, 468, 120-B RPC read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at Police Station Crime Branch (EOW) Jammu against the concerned officials/officers of the Revenue Department Ramban and other individuals.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the matter has been constituted for in-depth investigation.
