Police foil major land scam in Baramulla, seven held for cheating
Srinagar: Police in Baramulla thwarted a major land fraud attempt at Wussan Kunzer by apprehending a group of fraudsters posing as land brokers and government officials in order to deceive an unsuspecting buyer, a police spokesman said Friday.
The accused had fabricated a false ownership claim over a piece of land and presented one of their associates as the legitimate owner. To lend credibility to their scheme, one member impersonated a Patwari while others posed as revenue officials. However, timely verification by Police exposed the entire operation as a pre-planned conspiracy aimed at cheating the complainant, he said.
The complainant, Abdul Ahad Malik son of GhulamNabi Malik resident of Panzi Nara Shalteng, had already been duped of a substantial amount before Police intervention.
Acting swiftly, police apprehended the accused identified as Ghulam Mohammad Wani son of Mohammad Ramzan Wani resident of Palpora Pulwama (impersonating as Patwari), Masood Ahmad Wani son of Mohammad Shafi resident of Pir Bagh Sector B (posing as son of property owner – Khursheed Alam), Mohammad Yousuf Wani son of Abdul Ahad resident of Pandithpora Kunzer (broker), Mohammad Abdullah Mir son of Abdul Gaffar resident of Shilwat Sonawari (broker), Bilal Parray son of Abdul Rashid resident of Markundal (broker), Fayaz Ahmad Khanday son of Ghulam Nabi resident of Takkanwari Srinagar (broker) and Riyaz Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Nabi resident of Sheikhzoo Ganderbal (broker).
Preliminary enquiry revealed that the complainant had already paid ₹4,00,000 in cash and ₹10,000 via bank transfer, and was being further persuaded to arrange ₹20,00,000. The accused were intercepted at a crucial stage, preventing further financial loss, the spokesman added.
During the operation, police recovered and seized forged revenue documents pertaining to the land measuring 13.5 kanals at Wussan Bangil under Khasra Nos. 271, 272, 273, and 274.
Regarding the incident, FIR No. 42/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Kunzer. Investigation is ongoing to trace additional accomplices and uncover the full extent of the fraud network.
Police urge the public to remain vigilant and verify all land-related documents and identities through proper government channels before entering into any property transactions, the spokesman added.
