NC MP Denounces Charges as Politically Motivated and Challenges Authorities
Budgam, 13 April 2025: A Defiant Stand Against Allegations
National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has strongly refuted allegations linking him to a land compensation scam in Budgam district, describing the charges as “baseless” and “politically motivated.” The case, filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), accuses Ruhullah and 21 others of tampering with revenue records to claim fraudulent payments.
Ruhullah’s Response
Addressing a press conference in Budgam, Ruhullah dismissed the allegations, asserting that he had no involvement in the land compensation process. “The land in question belonged to my late grandfather, Aga Sahib. Compensation was awarded to his legal heirs, just as it was to others in the area. I am third in the line of inheritance and played no role in negotiations or decisions regarding the property,” he stated.
Ruhullah emphasized that he had never been contacted by the ACB or questioned by police or administrative officials over the past two decades. “I only became aware of the chargesheet the day it was filed—like everyone else,” he added.
Political Motivations Alleged
The NC MP suggested that the allegations were part of a broader effort to suppress dissenting voices in Jammu and Kashmir. “This is clearly a tactic to silence me for opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and for speaking out on human rights issues in Jammu and Kashmir,” Ruhullah remarked.
He further challenged the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation, stating, “If this is what is being called a multi-crore scam, then I welcome the harshest investigation. Bring in not just the ACB, but even the NIA,” he said.
Legal and Public Implications
The case pertains to alleged irregularities in land compensation awarded over two decades ago in Budgam’s Bemina-Darbal area. The ACB claims that revenue records were manipulated to inflate land possession, resulting in undue payments. Ruhullah, however, maintains that his share of compensation—₹80,000—was lawfully distributed among legal heirs.
The controversy has sparked debates about the use of legal tools to target political figures in Jammu and Kashmir. Ruhullah’s defiant stance has drawn support from his party and constituents, who view the charges as an attempt to undermine his credibility.
Looking Ahead
As the case unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability in the investigation. Ruhullah’s call for a detailed public probe reflects his determination to clear his name and address the broader concerns of political suppression in the region.
