Srinagar, Jan 23: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has produced a chargesheet before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam, against a Srinagar resident accused of forging property documents to fraudulently claim ownership of a housing plot at Government Housing Colony, Ompora, Budgam.

According to an official statement, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has produced a chargesheet before the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam, in connection with FIR No. 61/2023 under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 IPC of Police Station EOW-Kashmir.

The statement reads, the case relates to allegations of cheating, forgery and use of forged documents in respect of Plot No. 1165 measuring 30×50 feet, situated at Government Housing Colony, Ompora, Budgam.

“Acting on a written complaint brought to its notice, EOW Kashmir initiated an in-depth investigation into claims made by a woman asserting her lawful ownership over the said plot. The complainant alleged that while she had acquired the property through a valid chain of powers of attorney originating from the original allottee, another individual was simultaneously claiming ownership of the same plot on the basis of a separate set of documents, giving rise to suspicion of fraud and criminal conspiracy,” it reads.

The statement reads, a thorough investigation was subsequently carried out, during which statements of the complainant, the original allottee Satish Kumar Sharma, and other relevant persons were recorded. Official verification was sought from the offices of Sub Registrar Budgam and Sub Registrar IV, 2nd Additional Munsif Jammu, which conclusively established that an irrevocable General Power of Attorney purportedly executed in 2010 in favour of the accused was never registered in official records. The original allottee categorically denied executing any such document or ever residing at the address mentioned therein.

“The investigation revealed that the accused, Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Dar S/o Mohd Shaban Dar R/o Nowgam Bypass Srinagar, had fraudulently used forged documents to claim ownership of the plot and execute further transactions. Confirmation from the J&K Housing Department validated the complainant as the legitimate owner,” reads the statement further.

“Accordingly, EOW Kashmir has established a prima facie case under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 IPC and filed the chargesheet before the competent court for judicial adjudication.”

“The Economic Offences Wing, Kashmir stated that it remains vigilant and resolute in taking stringent action against individuals and groups involved in fraudulent dealings of land and housing properties, and that such acts aimed at usurping public assets will be strictly dealt under law,” reads the statement. —(KNO)

Baramulla, Jan 22: Ponywallas operating in the tourist resort of Gulmarg have raised serious objections to what they allege is the unrestricted entry of tourist vehicles into the Green Zone up to the Bowl area, warning that the practice is harming both their livelihoods and the fragile ecosystem of the region.

The aggrieved ponywallas said allowing vehicles beyond designated parking areas has disrupted traditional tourism-related activities and poses a threat to Gulmarg’s environmental balance. They claimed that thousands of families dependent on pony services, sledging and allied work are being adversely affected.

Vice President of the Apni Party, Ghulam Hassan Mir, also expressed concern over the issue, saying there was growing resentment over the administration’s decision to permit tourist vehicles direct access to the Gondola base and other key locations. He said the move threatened the livelihood of nearly 5,000 families dependent on traditional tourism activities in the area.

President of the Ponywalla Association Gulmarg, Tariq Ahmad, said the decision has serious implications for both employment and environmental conservation. “From ponywallas to sledge operators and labourers, around 5,000 people are associated with this trade. Allowing vehicles into the Green Zone effectively deprives thousands of people of their livelihoods and puts immense pressure on the fragile environment,” he said.

Ahmad said Gulmarg has two designated parking facilities—Stand 1 and Stand 2—at the main market. “Until two years ago, all vehicles were required to park at these locations. Over the past two years, however, vehicles have been allowed to move beyond these points without proper regulation, affecting the charm and ecology of this world-class tourist destination,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with Ladakh, Ahmad said protected zones elsewhere strictly prohibit vehicular movement. “In Ladakh, tourist vehicles are not allowed beyond a certain point. Local labourers and registered operators ferry tourists further, which ensures livelihood for locals while protecting the environment,” he said.

He added that while tourism had witnessed a slump for several years, the recent increase in tourist arrivals has coincided with new challenges for local service providers.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg, Tariq Ahmad Naik, rejected the allegations, stating that vehicles are not being allowed into the Green Zone. “Tourists are only permitted to use their vehicles to reach the hotels they have booked. Separate entry and exit routes have been created to ensure smooth traffic movement. The allegations are baseless, and a proper mechanism is already in place,” he said.