Srinagar: Member of India Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi has refuted allegations of his involvement in a land compensation case, dismissing the claims as unfounded and politically driven.

The controversy arises from a land acquisition process in the Bemina-Darbal area of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, dating back over twenty years. The Kashmir Media Service reported that an official chargesheet has named Mehdi among the alleged beneficiaries, sparking public attention.

In a press briefing, Mehdi explained his family’s historical connection to the land, which belonged to his late grandfather, Agha Sahib. He clarified that the compensation was awarded to heirs, including himself, who had no direct role in the land negotiations.

Mehdi, a former MLA with 18 years of experience and now a parliament member, highlighted that he had not been contacted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or other authorities regarding the case. He learned about the chargesheet only when it was filed.

The land was originally acquired by the government in the early 2000s for rehabilitating Dal dwellers. Compensation was based on possession and agricultural use, following cabinet decisions and surveys. Mehdi’s share, divided among 11 heirs, amounted to Rs 80,000, received nearly two decades ago.

Mehdi welcomed a thorough investigation into what he called an exaggerated “multi-crore scam” and urged for transparency. He invited not only the ACB but also the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to scrutinize the case.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has charged 22 individuals, including Mehdi, accusing them of fraudulent payments by altering Revenue records in Budgam district.