SDM Forwards Report to DC Jammu; Vows Zero Tolerance for Corruption but Warns False Accusers Will Not Be Spared After Probe Finds No Proof
- The preliminary inquiry (Order No. 07 of 2025) into sensational bribery allegations against Patwari Parvez Ahmed of Halqa Gandharwan has concluded that the claims are “unsubstantiated,” with the main complainant Jaspreet Singh himself admitting under oath that he never gave or witnessed any bribe being paid.
- SDM Akhnoor Mukhtar Ahmed has forwarded the Tehsildar Jourian-led report to the Deputy Commissioner Jammu for final action and has sternly warned that proceedings will now be initiated against the complainants for filing a case that appears to be driven by “personal dissatisfaction” over land compensation rather than genuine corruption.
- SDM Mukhtar Ahmed has issued a powerful anti-corruption message, declaring his intent to make his sub-division corruption-free and promising swift action against any official if a complaint is supported by concrete evidence, while equally cautioning that those who file false or malicious complaints will not be spared.
Akhnoor, June 22, 2025: In a stunning and dramatic reversal of events that completely overturns the narrative of the recent Gandharwan land scam protests, the official preliminary inquiry has exonerated Patwari Parvez Ahmed of all bribery and corruption allegations, finding the claims to be unsubstantiated and lacking any evidence. The inquiry report, submitted by Tehsildar Jourian, has been forwarded by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Akhnoor, Mukhtar Ahmed, to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jammu for a final decision. This development has turned the tables squarely on the original complainants, led by Jaspreet Singh, who now face the prospect of administrative action for filing what the report suggests was a complaint driven by personal grievances rather than factual corruption.
This startling outcome follows the intense and emotional protests on May 27, 2025, where villagers, led by Jaspreet Singh, blockaded the SDM’s office, levelling serious accusations of bribery, harassment, and record manipulation against Patwari Parvez Ahmed in the Jammu-Poonch National Highway land compensation case. Responding to the gravity of the situation, SDM Akhnoor had immediately ordered a preliminary inquiry vide Order No: 07 of 2025, dated May 28, 2025, to ascertain the facts.
The inquiry, conducted by Tehsildar Jourian and Naib Tehsildar Jourian, involved issuing formal notices and recording statements at Panchayat Ghar, Gandharwan, on May 31, 2025. The key complainant, Jaspreet Singh son of Lal Singh, along with Jagdish Raj and Ram Krishan, sons of Sain Dass, were summoned to present their evidence. However, during his formal statement, Jaspreet Singh’s case crumbled. While he reiterated his grievances about “procedural irregularities” in the preparation of revenue records, citing issues with Khasra No. 749 (Kahcharai land) and an NOC for construction in Khasra Nos. 808, 809, and 810, he made a crucial and stunning admission. According to the inquiry report, Jaspreet Singh confirmed under oath that he never gave or saw anyone give a bribe to Patwari Parvez Ahmed. The bribery allegations, which formed the explosive core of the protests, were not supported by any evidence or witnesses.
Furthermore, an audio call recording submitted as evidence was found upon analysis to be “unrelated, inconclusive, and lacking evidentiary value.” Another individual, Parshotam Sharma, raised a concern regarding Khasra No. 666 but explicitly did not implicate Patwari Parvez Ahmed in any wrongdoing. The report damningly concludes that the allegations of bribery are “unsubstantiated,” with no direct or indirect evidence—documentary, electronic, or testimonial—presented to prove corruption by the Patwari. In a surprising twist, the report notes that statements from other local residents strongly supported the integrity and honesty of Patwari Parvez Ahmed.
The inquiry report recommends that the matter be treated as closed, stating that the charges appear to have been made out of “personal dissatisfaction, particularly relating to land compensation, and lack of understanding of procedural processes.” It also raises “serious questions about the credibility of the complaint” based on the conduct of Jaspreet Singh.
Following the submission of this report, SDM Mukhtar Ahmed has adopted a firm and unequivocal stance. While reaffirming his commitment to a “corruption-free” administration and urging genuine victims to come forward with evidence for swift action, he issued a stern warning against the misuse of official channels. “My policy is clear,” the SDM stated. “If a complaint is filed and the official is found guilty, they will face the strictest action. But if the complaint is found to be false and baseless, the complainant will not be spared either. We will initiate action against them.” He confirmed that the report has been submitted to the DC Jammu for a final decision, which will now also determine the fate of the complainants. This case has now transformed from a protest against alleged corruption into a cautionary tale about the serious consequences of making unsubstantiated public accusations against government officials.
