Srinagar, July 28 (KDC): The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has arrested four out of seven accused individuals in a high-profile corruption case involving cheating, false mutations, and wrongful entries in revenue records. The arrests follow an extensive investigation into FIR No. 14/2025 under Sections 167, 420, 120-B RPC, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act Svt. 2006, registered on July 9, 2025.
In a statement to Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), Crime branch said that the arrested accused include Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, resident of Nowgam, Srinagar, Mohammad Shafi Lone alias Shaff Cheeni, son of Abdul Ahad Lone, resident of House No. 187, Sector B, Peerbagh, Srinagar, Shahnawaz Ahmad Rather, son of Noor Mohammad Rather, resident of Padshahi Bagh, Srinagar and Shabir Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Ismail Wani, resident of Bagandar Lasjan.
These individuals are part of an organized group allegedly responsible for manipulating revenue records and deceiving citizens in parts of District Srinagar and District Budgam, causing significant financial loss and distress to the public.
The alleged prime accused, Tehsildar Nusrat Aziz, daughter of Abdul Aziz Lone, a resident of Gurez presently residing at Mehjoor Nagar, Srinagar, had applied for bail, which was cancelled by the Anti-Corruption Court in Srinagar. Since then, the officer has been absconding and evading arrest. Notably, she is also named in four other FIRs — two with Crime Branch Kashmir and two with Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Kashmir.
In addition, Ashiq Ali, son of Ghulam Rasool Khan (then Patwari, Balhama Srinagar), currently residing at Hawal Srinagar, and Shamima Akhter, wife of Mohammad Shafi Lone, resident of Gooripora Rawalpora, are also evading arrest. Authorities have launched a manhunt to nab the absconders and bring them to justice.
The investigation underscores the systemic rot within the revenue department and the concerted effort by agencies to hold corrupt officials accountable. Further action is expected in the coming days
