Domana Land Scam: A Tale of Fake Mutations, Influential Land Grabbers, and a Pending Restoration Case in Custodian Department
- The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is conducting raids across various Tehsils in Jammu, including Bishnah today, Bhalwal, and North Jammu, seizing crucial land records to uncover a potential network of corruption within the Revenue Department.
- A former Tehsildar and former Patwari in Tehsil North, Domana, are accused of executing fake mutations in 2019, illegally transferring 40 Kanals of Custodian Department land to various people including a notorious land grabber, who allegedly has benefited from numerous fraudulent land deals.
- The scam involves Khasra Nos. 856 and 961, which is pending for restoration, making any further registry, mutation, or issuance of Fard for this land illegal.
- Â A senior ACB source assured, the ACB director has clearly said that “Nobody will be spared”. We are following instructions from higher authorities and will proceed accordingly.
jj correspondent
Jammu, July 04: A shocking land scam involving 40 Kanals of prime Custodian Department land in Tehsil North, Domana, has exposed a web of corruption within the Revenue Department, implicating a former Tehsildar and Patwari in the fraudulent transfer of land to influential people and their own tout who is a notorious land grabber of JDA land.
The scam revolves around Khasra Nos. 856 and 961, measuring 20 Kanals 14 Marlas and 20 Kanals 8 Marlas respectively. The then Tehsildar and Patwari allegedly executed fake mutations under 3A (change of land use) for this Custodian land, transferring ownership to influential people and their own tout, a known land grabber already facing multiple cases at Janipur Police Station for illegally acquiring Jammu Development Authority (JDA) land worth crores.
Sources reveal that this individual, allegedly a close associate of the then Tehsildar, has benefited immensely from this corrupt nexus, receiving numerous favors and illegal transfers of JDA land, causing crores of rupees in losses to the state exchequer.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a case for the restoration of this 40 Kanal land to its original owner is already pending with the Custodian Department. A top source within the department confirmed the ongoing case, emphasizing that any further registry, mutation, or issuance of Fard (ownership document) for this land is illegal adding an order will be issued soon to restore the land to Custodian Department.
Despite this, the then Tehsildar and Patwari blatantly disregarded legal procedures and executed the fraudulent mutations in 2019, challenging the administration and the rule of law. Their actions, driven by personal gain, have resulted in a massive loss to the state.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), currently conducting raids across various Tehsils, including Bhalwal, North Jammu, where 100 to 150 records under 3A were seized, and Bishnah, where 3A mutation records were seized today, signalling a commitment to unearthing the extent of the corruption. A senior ACB source assured, the ACB director has clearly said that “Nobody will be spared. We are following instructions from higher authorities and will proceed accordingly.”
However, critical questions remain. Will the ACB’s investigation bring the former Tehsildar and Patwari to justice, setting a deterrent example for corrupt officials within the Revenue Department? Will the influential land grabber, who has allegedly benefited from their illegal actions, also face the consequences?
The public demands answers and swift action. This case represents a blatant abuse of power and a blatant disregard for the law, demanding accountability and swift justice. The administration and the ACB must act decisively to expose the corrupt network, recover the stolen land, and restore public faith in the system. The time for impunity is over.
