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Jammu: The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against eight former public servants, including an ex-CEOs of Patnitop Development Authority, District Udhampur (J&K) and others along with owners of hotels, resorts and guest houses on the allegations of large-scale illegal construction and encroachment of land at the tourist location of Patnitop in Udhampur District (J&K).

A Preliminary Enquiry was earlier conducted on the directions of the High Court of J&K. It was alleged that the public servants having jurisdiction over land in Patnitop, in conspiracy with thethe accused proprietors of hotels and guest houses had allowed illegal construction and illegal use of the land in violation of law, leading to loss to the Government. It was further alleged that many hotels and guest houses were constructed without any permission and were not registered with Patnitop Development Authority. It was also alleged that officials did not take any action despite being aware of such encroachment. In some cases, no compounding fee was allegedly deposited by the hotels.

Searches were conducted on Tuesday 4 August 2020 at eleven locations including Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua Districts of J&K at the offices & residential premises of the accused public servants including tge then CEOs of Patnitop Development Authority, Transport Department and Sales Tax Department. which led to recovery of incriminating documents, huge investment in Fix Deposits and immovable properties etc.