||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh June 25 ,2024 ||

Jammu : — In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched extensive raids on the offices of five Patwaris (Revenue Clerks) in the Jammu district. These operations are part of a thorough investigation into a sprawling land scam recently unearthed by the bureau.

The raids, which began on Monday and continued into Tuesday, targeted the offices in Bhalwal, Seri, Kot, Barb, and Amb Patwar Halqas. The ACB’s persistent efforts have led to the seizure of critical records that are expected to shed light on the intricate workings of a well-organized land mafia.

Sources within the ACB revealed that these raids are a direct response to the discovery of a complex nexus involving certain revenue officials and influential figures. This syndicate is believed to have manipulated land records extensively, creating fraudulent documents to sell land at inflated prices. The manipulations were not just minor tweaks but involved substantial alterations that paved the way for the construction of lucrative shopping and residential complexes.

An ACB official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the scale of the corruption as staggering. “This is not a simple case of bribery or minor fraud. The individuals involved have systematically exploited loopholes in the revenue system, amassing fortunes by deceiving unsuspecting buyers,” the official stated.

The Bhalwal and surrounding areas have become focal points of this investigation. The seized documents are now under rigorous scrutiny as the ACB aims to map out the full extent of the illegal operations. The depth of this scam suggests a long-standing corruption practice, deeply embedded within the revenue department.

Residents in the affected areas expressed mixed reactions. While some were shocked by the revelations, others were relieved that the authorities were finally addressing a problem that has long plagued the region. “It’s high time these corrupt practices are stopped. For years, we’ve heard rumors about these land deals, but nothing was ever done,” said Rajesh Sharma, a local resident.

The investigation is ongoing, and more raids are expected in the coming days as the ACB continues to dismantle the network of corruption. This operation is part of a broader initiative by the J&K administration to restore integrity and transparency in public offices.

As the story develops, it raises significant questions about the extent of corruption within the system and the measures necessary to prevent such scams in the future. The ACB’s determined actions serve as a stern warning to those involved in corrupt activities, emphasizing that no one is above the law.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.