JAMMU: In a landmark action under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Jammu Police successfully executed its first-ever property attachment in a high-profile job fraud case, resulting in the recovery and refund of ₹75 lakhs to victims.

This milestone reflects the victim-centric approach embodied in India's new criminal justice reforms.

The case revolves around Harpreet Singh, a resident of Pallanwala, who posed as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army and defrauded multiple individuals of more than ₹2.39 crore by falsely promising them jobs in prestigious government institutions such as the MES, MoD and DRDO. The fraud came to light when Arun Sharma, a resident of Nagrota, filed a complaint on 6 November 2024, leading to the registration of FIR No. 293/2024 under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, and 340(2) of the BNS at Police Station Nagrota, Jammu. The accused was arrested the following day.

Investigation revealed that a sale agreement was executed between Kamaljeet Kour (wife of Suriender Singh) and the accused's mother, Paramjeet Kour, to the tune of ₹2.22 crore for the purchase of a double-storey duplex building constructed over 8 marlas of land in Channi Bheja, Tehsil Bahu Fort, Jammu. Moreover, an amount of ₹1,93,50,000 was received by Suriender Singh (co-accused) and his wife from accused Harpreet through online transactions and cash. The amount paid by Harpreet Singh was proceeds of crime collected from innocent victims in lieu of providing government jobs.

Acting on a police plea, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, passed an attachment order on 18 January 2025 under Section 107(5) BNSS, which was executed by Tehsildar Bahu. A 14-day show cause notice was issued to the accused to justify the source of funds used in the transaction, failing which the property was to be auctioned.

During court proceedings, based on clinching evidence presented by the Investigating Officer, Kamaljeet Kour made a judicial admission that she had received ₹1.53 crore from the accused. In a significant development, she voluntarily agreed to refund the amount, initially committing to deposit ₹50 lakhs within 7 days and the remaining ₹1.03 crores within two months. Moreover, an amount of ₹40,50,000- being a disputed sum - can be proved only during trial.

The Court ruled that the attachment order shall remain in effect until the admitted amount is fully deposited. It also prohibited the seller from creating any third-party interest in the property. The SSP Jammu was directed to open a dedicated account for collecting and distributing the recovered funds among the verified victims.

Today, the recovered amount of ₹75 lakh has been distributed equally among 17 victims through cheques. This marks the first instance in the UT of J&K under BNSS where defrauded money has been returned to victims, exemplifying the law's focus on justice, accountability, and restitution.

The case was meticulously investigated by Inspector Parvez Sajad (SHO Nagrota), under the supervision of DySP Vinod Kundal (SDPO Nagrota), with overall oversight by SP Rural Brijesh Sharma and SSP Jammu Joginder Singh. Legal assistance was provided by Senior Prosecuting Officer Altaf Wahid, DPO Jammu and financial expertise by Accounts Officer Kamal Bhagat.

This breakthrough demonstrates a strong legal and administrative resolve to tackle economic offences and restore public trust. It sets a crucial precedent for future enforcement under the BNSS and reflects the evolving framework of a more responsive and victim-oriented criminal justice system.