CBI files chargesheet in J&K Educational trust land encroachment case

New Delhi, Oct 28 (Agency) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed chargesheet against former chairperson of an Educational Trust based at Kathua in Jammu and Ex-Patwari, Muthi Hardo, Kathua on the allegations of illegal possession and encroachment of land by the Educational Trust, the agency statement said on Thursday. CBI had registered the instant case against an Educational Trust and others on September 12, last year. Earlier, a preliminary enquiry was conducted by CBI on the allegations of encroachment of huge tract of public, government and forest land in district Kathua by certain people in violation of J&K Agrarian Reforms Act in connivance with revenue and forest officials, said CBI.

Searches were conducted on September 15 last year, at 10 locations including Jammu and Kathua at the premises of the accused. During investigation, it was found that the then Chairperson of the Educational Trust allegedly entered into conspiracy with the then Patwari, Halqa Muthi Hardo, Tehsil Hiranagar (now Marheen), Kathua district. It was alleged that in pursuance to the conspiracy, fards were issued by said Patwari, without mentioning the details in respect of ceiling imposed under J&K Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976 and mutations were attested, thus facilitating illegal acquisition of land beyond ceiling limit by the said Educational Trust, in gross violation of the J&K Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976, said the agency.