After three months on the run, corrupt Patwari held by Crime Branch Kashmir

Srinagar : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir on Saturday said it arrested a Patwari who had been evading arrest for three months in a corruption case.

According to a statement issued to news agency the accused, identified as Ashiq Ali, son of Ghulam Rasool Khan of Panner Jagir and presently residing at Hawal, Srinagar, was wanted in connection with FIR No. 14/2025 under Sections 167, 420, and 120-B of the RPC, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The case involves allegations of corruption, cheating, false mutations, and wrongful insertions in revenue records, it said, adding that the FIR, registered on July 9, 2025, named six accused persons, including a Tehsildar. Five have already been arrested.

“Despite multiple efforts, Ashiq Ali had been absconding since the registration of the case. Acting on specific intelligence, a special team of the Economic Offences Wing apprehended him on Friday,” it added.

The EOW said the accused’s bail application had earlier been rejected by the court. The Crime Branch reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and continuing its crackdown on corruption and economic offences in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)