jj correspondent
Jammu, July 9, 2025: In a historic first under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Jammu Police has successfully recovered and refunded ?75 lakhs to victims of a high-profile job fraud case. This milestone action marks the Union Territory’s maiden property attachment under the BNSS, reflecting the new law’s strong victim-centric approach and the administration’s commitment to ensuring justice and restitution for the defrauded.
The case pertains to Harpreet Singh, a resident of Pallanwala, who impersonated a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army and duped multiple individuals by falsely promising government jobs in prestigious institutions such as the MES, Ministry of Defence, and DRDO. A total of over ?2.39 crores was collected from victims through this elaborate deception.
The fraud came to light following a complaint filed by Arun Sharma of Nagrota on November 6, 2024, leading to the registration of FIR No. 293/2024 under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, and 340(2) of the BNSS at Police Station Nagrota. Harpreet Singh was arrested the very next day.
Property Purchase Traced to Proceeds of Crime
During investigation, police uncovered that Harpreet Singh had funneled the proceeds of the crime to purchase a double-story duplex over 8 marlas of land in Channi Bheja, Bahu Fort Jammu. The sale agreement was executed between Kamaljeet Kour (wife of co-accused Suriender Singh) and the accused’s mother, with ?2.22 crore changing hands. Bank records revealed that ?1.93 crores was transferred through online and cash transactions.
Acting on the police application, the Hon’ble Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu passed an attachment order on January 18, 2025, under Section 107(5) BNSS, which was executed by Tehsildar Bahu. A 14-day show-cause notice was issued to the accused to justify the source of funds used in the transaction.
Judicial Admission and Voluntary Refund
In court, based on compelling evidence by the Investigating Officer, Kamaljeet Kour admitted to receiving ?1.53 crores from Harpreet Singh and voluntarily agreed to refund the entire amount-committing to deposit ?50 lakhs within 7 days, and the remaining ?1.03 crores within two months. A disputed amount of ?40.5 lakhs is pending adjudication during the trial.
The Hon’ble Court directed that the attachment shall remain in effect until the full amount is deposited, and barred the creation of any third-party interest in the said property. The SSP Jammu was instructed to open a dedicated account for collection and equitable distribution of the recovered funds.
Compensation Distributed Among Victims
Today, a total of ?75 lakhs has been disbursed equally among 17 verified victims via cheque. This marks the first-ever restitution under BNSS in Jammu and Kashmir, representing a monumental shift toward accountability, justice, and victim restitution.
Strong Teamwork and Legal Oversight
This complex and impactful investigation was conducted under the leadership of Inspector Parvez Sajad (SHO Nagrota), supervised by DySP Vinod Kundal (SDPO Nagrota), with overall direction from SP Rural Brijesh Sharma (JKPS) and SSP Jammu Sh. Joginder Singh (JKPS). Legal and financial assistance was provided by Senior Prosecuting Officer Altaf Wahid (DPO Jammu) and Accounts Officer Kamal Bhagat, respectively.
Jammu Police Executes First-Ever Property Attachment Under New Criminal Laws, Returns 75 Lakhs to Victims in 2.39 Crore Job Scam
