M A I N   N E W S

Gulmarg land scam: Kishtwar DC arrested, released
Tribune News Service & PTI

Srinagar, September 23
Senior IAS officer Baseer Ahmad Khan was today arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) for allegedly misusing his official position for illegal transfer of government land worth crores in Gulmarg.

”Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar district, Baseer Ahmad Khan today reported at the police station, Vigilance, where his arrest was effected in connection with the Gulmarg land scam case,” a senior SVO officer said.

Khan was produced in the court of Special Judge, Anti-corruption, here and the chargesheet against him presented, the officer said.

The court released the IAS officer on bail and allowed him to report back on duty at Kishtwar, he said.

Formerly Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla district, in which the ski resort of Gulmarg falls, Baseer Ahmad Khan was summoned by the Vigilance Organisation after getting a sanction from the government.

The Gulmarg land scam case is under investigation since 2009.

It pertains to alleged misuse of official position by at least 21 persons for facilitating allotment of land to some influential businessmen in violation of rules for preservation of the tourist resort.

The officers named in the case included the then Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, and the then Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal. Iqbal has retired now.

Three other officers have also retired from the government service by now.

Khan was the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar till March this year. He was removed following a directive by the high court in connection with a public interest litigation.

Khan was posted as the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar district following communal clashes in the area recently.