jj correspondent
Srinagar, August 29: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has rejected the anticipatory bail application of Tehsildar Bijbhera, who is facing allegations in a land scam being probed by the Economic Offences Wing (Crime Branch), Srinagar.
The case stems from a complaint by a Srinagar woman who alleged she was cheated after purchasing over five kanals of land at Balhama in 2012. It was claimed that revenue records were tampered with, fraudulent mutations inserted, and part of the land subsequently sold to another party. Investigations revealed that the records had been altered in connivance with revenue officials, including the then Tehsildar Nusrat Aziz and a Patwari. Consequently, Crime Branch registered FIR No. 14/2025 under Sections 167, 420, 120-B RPC read with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The petitioner sought anticipatory bail citing false implication, long service record, health issues, and earlier interim protection. However, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, while dismissing the plea, observed that the seriousness of the charges and the ongoing investigation required an unhindered probe.
The court noted that evidence so far indicates a “well-planned conspiracy” involving manipulation of official records to extend undue benefits to private parties. Holding that the petitioner was not entitled to the concession of anticipatory bail at this stage, the court dismissed the application.
