Shopian, Dec 20, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday arrested a Patwari in South Kashmir’s Shopian district after he was allegedly caught accepting a bribe from a client, officials said.
The accused has been identified as Ashiq Hussain Shah, a resident of Turkawangam area of Shopian.
The arrest follows months of surveillance by ACB officials amid increasing complaints against the revenue official, according to sources.
The case has gained significance as investigators are now examining a wider set of allegations related to land dealings and misuse of official position.
Shortly after the arrest, ACB teams conducted searches at the accused’s residence in Turkawangam and at another house he had rented in Pulwama town.
Sources said the Pulwama accommodation was allegedly used by the accused to meet clients and collect bribes away from his place of posting.
Officials said preliminary findings suggest that Shah may have been involved in multiple acts of corruption beyond the bribery case.
He is alleged to have illegally taken possession of property belonging to his late uncle, which was meant for the latter’s daughter, though these claims are part of the ongoing investigation.
Sources further alleged that the accused was involved in facilitating the sale of state land in the SIDCO Lassipora Industrial Growth Centre in collusion with land brokers and other officials.
Investigators are also examining claims that proceeds from such transactions were used to establish a fuel station at Turkawangam in the name of a female relative.
According to officials, Shah is suspected to have played a role in a land scam involving around 15 kanals under survey numbers 852 Min and 867 Min in Lassipora between 2017 and 2024.
“He has been under scrutiny for some time, and multiple aspects of his financial and administrative activities are now being investigated,” an official said.
Authorities also said that the accused had previously faced allegations of corruption during his tenure in the Keegam block.
Locals have demanded a thorough probe into the case, urging the ACB to identify all beneficiaries and recover any illegally acquired assets.
“We want a complete investigation so that all those involved are exposed,” a local resident said.
Officials confirmed that a detailed investigation has been initiated, and further action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the probe.
Background corruption cases involving revenue officials have periodically surfaced in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting increased scrutiny of land transactions and administrative processes. [KNT]
