Srinagar: Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi on Sunday firmly rejected allegations levelled against him in a land compensation case, comparing the charges to an “April Fool” joke.
The alleged case pertains to revenue fraud over land acquired more than two decades ago in the Bemina-Darbal area.
Addressing press conference, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi as per news agency JKNS clarified that, “the land in question belonged to my grandfather Agha Sahib, and like many other families, the compensation was paid to his legal heirs. I am third in the line of succession and had no role whatsoever in negotiations or compensation procedures.”
Mehdi said, “This seems like an April Fool joke, only delayed till April 13. If this is what’s being called a multi-crore scam, I request not only the ACB but also the NIA and other central agencies to investigate the case transparently and publicly.”
He said that the land was acquired by the government in the early 2000s for the rehabilitation of displaced Dal dwellers, and the compensation was awarded to multiple owners as per possession and usage records, including agricultural surveys and cabinet approvals.
Ruhullah said, his share from the inherited property amounted to just Rs 80,000 received nearly two decades ago. He stated that the entire process had been legal and open, and that he only came to know about the chargesheet after it was filed.
He further said that, “These allegations seem designed to target my voice because of my opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 and my stand on human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He alleged that the central government was using legal institutions as tools to marginalize critics and minorities. “If you want me to stop speaking, restore Article 370, uphold minority rights, and bring back dignity to J&K,” he said.
On questions about his party’s silence, Mehdi said no one from the National Conference had contacted him. “Had they done so, they would’ve known the facts of the case,” he added, indirectly expressing concern over the party’s internal communication.
He also acknowledged sentiments in his former assembly segment, Channapora-Pargam, where some locals want the seat to be represented by someone from the area. “The love I received is unforgettable, but their demand for a local representative is fair,” he said.
Ruhullah further said that i did’nt received any notice, nor had he ever heard anything or even been questioned in the matter over the last 20 years.
Earlier on Saturday, the ACB filed a chargesheet against 22 individuals, including Mehdi and six of his relatives, alleging manipulation of land revenue records. (JKNS)
