Gandharwan Land Scam: SDM Orders Probe Against Patwari Amidst Bribery, Harassment Allegations; Vows Strict Action

Tehsildar Jourian to Lead 5-Day Preliminary Inquiry After Villagers’ Uproar Over Highway Compensation Irregularities; SDM Warns Revenue Staff Against Corruption

4 Following intense protests by Gandharwan villagers alleging massive corruption by Revenue officials, particularly Patwari Parvez Ahmed, in the Jammu-Poonch National Highway land compensation, SDM Akhnoor Mukhtar Ahmed has ordered a preliminary inquiry (Order No: 07 of 2025, Dated: 28.05.2025) against the said Patwari, to be completed within five working days by Tehsildar Jourian.
4 SDM Mukhtar Ahmed has issued a stern warning to all Revenue staff under his jurisdiction, stating that anyone found involved in corruption or misconduct during his tenure will face strict action, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy.

Mohit Mehra
Akhnoor, May 28 : In a swift response to the escalating Gandharwan land acquisition scandal and the vociferous protests by aggrieved villagers, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Akhnoor, Mukhtar Ahmed (JKAS), today ordered a preliminary inquiry into serious allegations of misconduct, bribery, and harassment levelled against Patwari Parvez Ahmed of Halqa Gandharwan. This action comes a day after enraged residents, demanding justice over alleged corruption in the Jammu-Poonch National Highway land compensation process, staged a massive demonstration outside the SDM’s office, as extensively reported by this newspaper.
The formal inquiry was initiated vide SDM Akhnoor’s Order No: 07 of 2025, dated May 28, 2025. The order acknowledges receipt of a written resolution signed by residents of Patwar Halqa Gandharwan on May 27, 2025, detailing the grave accusations against Patwari Parvez Ahmed. It also notes that related content circulating on social media platforms has drawn significant public attention and concern. “In view of the nature of allegations and the matter going public, a preliminary and discreet field inquiry is hereby ordered,” the SDM’s order states.
Tehsildar Jourian has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer and tasked with visiting the area, recording statements from selected complainants, local inhabitants, and independent witnesses. He is directed to submit a concise factual report within five working days. Naib Tehsildar Jourian will assist in the inquiry, which must be conducted impartially and discreetly.
Speaking about the probe, SDM Mukhtar Ahmed assured that the inquiry will be thorough and will meticulously examine all aspects of the complaints, including allegations of wrongful compensation disbursement and demands for bribes. He emphasized that if any official, including those involved in preparing compensation claims, is found complicit, strict action will be taken without fear or favour. “No one will be spared if found guilty,” the SDM asserted.
In a significant move to address concerns about systemic issues, SDM Ahmed also issued a stern warning to all Revenue officials operating under his jurisdiction in Akhnoor. He conveyed a clear message of zero tolerance for corruption, stating, “I have made it unequivocally clear to all my Revenue staff that if any complaint of corruption or misconduct arises against any official during my tenure, I will not hesitate to take the strictest possible action. No one should think they can get away with such practices.”
This proactive stance by the SDM follows yesterday’s dramatic protests where villagers accused Patwari Parvez Ahmed (who holds additional charge) and other Revenue officials of manipulating land records, inflating measurements for highway acquisition, making wrongful payments, and demanding bribes up to ?13 Lakh. Protestors had highlighted specific Khasra numbers (like 776, 815, 809, 739) where irregularities allegedly occurred, claiming they have been denied rightful compensation for over 1.5 years. They also pointed out that despite a previous inquiry by the DC Jammu’s office reportedly saving ?11 Crore from wrongful disbursement (related to Khasra No. 749), culpable officials were not punished, allowing the alleged malpractices to continue.
The initiation of this formal inquiry and the SDM’s stern warning are seen as crucial first steps towards addressing the deep-rooted grievances of the Gandharwan residents. The community, which has demanded a high-level independent probe, will be closely watching the outcome of this 5-day preliminary investigation and the subsequent actions taken by the administration to ensure accountability and justice.