SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a case under FIR No. 21/2025 at Police Station, ACB Srinagar following a verification conducted on the basis of a complaint received from inhabitants of village Arigam, Budgam. 

The verification revealed that one individual, Ali Mohammad Khan S/o Sonaullah Khan R/o Arigam Budgam, had constructed a petrol pump on Kahcharaie land at Arigam in June 2020, on the basis of a license issued by the competent authority on manipulated and misleading facts. 

Investigations disclosed that during 2018, NOCs were issued by the then Patwari Arigam, Naib Tehsildar Arigam, and Tehsildar Khansahab for proprietary land under Survey Nos. 531 and 533 Min. However, these officers deliberately omitted to record that access to the said land was only through State/Kahcharaie land (Survey No. 535) and failed to mention that the land was separated from the main road by Kahcharaie land prone to encroachment. 

Further, it surfaced that the concerned Patwari concealed the existence of Survey No. 532 (Shamilat land) while preparing the Khaka Dasti, thereby misrepresenting the factual position of the site. Despite a clarification sought by the ADC Budgam in March 2018, the field staff falsely reported that the site was feasible for transportation and storage of fuel.

On the basis of these misleading NOCs and reports, the then Deputy Commissioner Budgam issued a Petrol Pump license (No. DCB/2020/10 dated 22.05.2020) in favour of the beneficiary on Survey Nos. 531 and 533, which were not adjacent to each other. The then SDM Khansahab also forwarded the reports to higher authorities without conducting an independent spot verification or record scrutiny. 

In this manner, the concerned revenue officers and officials, by abuse of their official positions and in criminal conspiracy with the beneficiary, facilitated encroachment on State land and conferred undue pecuniary benefit upon the said individual. 

Accordingly, offences under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) and Section 120-B of IPC have been established against the accused public servants and beneficiaries. Consequently, Case FIR No. 21/2025 has been registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar. 

Further investigation of the case has been taken up.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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