CBI FILES SIX SEPARATE CHARGESHEETS AGAINST THE ACCUSED INCLUDING 02 THEN CEOS OF PATNITOP DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY & OTHERS

JAMMU: The CBI has filed six charge sheets in connection with alleged grabbing of forest and agricultural land by hotels and guest houses in collusion with former CEOs of Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said Monday.The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed 06 separate chargesheets against the accused including 02 then CEOs of Patnitop Development Authority (PDA); 02 Khilafwarzi inspectors of PDA & Proprietors/Partners of certain hotels before the Competent Court, Jammu in an on-going investigation of a case.A case was registered against eight then public servants inducing then CEOs of Patnitop Development Authority, District Udhampur (J&K) and others including Owners/Proprietors of Hotels/Resorts/Guest Houses on the allegations of large scale illegal construction/encroachment of land in the tourist location of Patnitop area of Udhampur District (J&K). A Preliminary Enquiry was earlier conducted on the directions of Hon’ble High Court of J&K. It was alleged that the public servants having dominion/ jurisdiction over land in Patnitop, in conspiracy with the Owners/Proprietors of the Hotels/Guest Houses/Resorts, etc. had failed to protect the interest of Goverment and allowed illegal construction/illegal use of the said land earmarked for agriculture, parking area, residential area in violation of Master Plan of PDA. Searches were earlier conducted at various locations including Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua Districts of J&K at the offices & residential premises of the accused which led to recovery of incriminating documents, huge investment in Fixed Deposits and immovable properties etc.Investigation revealed that accused public servants did not take steps to remove illegal constructions etc. in conspiracy with other accusedAfter investigation, one Chargesheet was filed on 07.10.2023 and rest five chargesheets on 09.10.2023.Further investigation is continuining.The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.