Srinagar, Nov 4 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered an FIR in a case involving the illegal construction of a petrol pump on State land in Arigam, Budgam. The case, registered under FIR No. 21/2025 at Police Station ACB Srinagar, follows a detailed verification based on complaints from local residents.

According to a statement issued, reads that the inquiry revealed that Ali Mohammad Khan, a resident of Arigam Budgam, built a petrol pump on Kahcharaie land in June 2020 using a license obtained through manipulated information.

Investigations found that in 2018, revenue officials including the then Patwari, Naib Tehsildar, and Tehsildar of Arigam and Khansahab issued NOCs for private land under Survey Nos. 531 and 533 but failed to record that access to the land was through Kahcharaie land (Survey No.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel535). They also omitted the existence of Shamilat land (Survey No. 532) and misrepresented site details.

Despite the ADC Budgam seeking clarification in 2018, field staff falsely reported the site as suitable for a fuel station. Acting on these misleading reports, the then Deputy Commissioner Budgam issued a petrol pump license in May 2020, while the SDM Khansahab forwarded the case without independent verification.

The ACB stated that the officials, in criminal conspiracy with the beneficiary, abused their positions and facilitated encroachment on State land, causing undue benefit to the individual.

Offences under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), and Section 120-B of the IPC have been established. Further investigation is underway.(KNS)