Ruhullah Mehdi Denies Graft Charges, Calls Probe Political Stunt
In a strongly worded statement, Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi has rejected graft allegations leveled against him in a decades-old land compensation case, terming them baseless and politically driven. Mehdi, a member of the Indian National Congress, has been embroiled in a controversy following a probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into alleged irregularities in the sale of land in the 1990s.
The ED had accused Mehdi of accepting a share of ₹80,000 in the sale of a plot of land, which was allegedly meant for compensation to the displaced families of Kashmiri Pandits. The agency claimed that Mehdi had benefited financially from the deal, which was finalized in 1991.
However, Mehdi has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the land in question belonged to his grandfather and that his share was inherited legally. In an interview with a local newspaper, Mehdi said, “I have inherited the land from my grandfather, and I have all the documents to prove it. The allegations are baseless and politically motivated.”
Mehdi’s denial of the charges has sparked a heated debate in Kashmir, with many questioning the timing of the allegations. The MP has been a vocal critic of the government’s decision to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Mehdi has been part of the opposition to the move, which was implemented in 2019.
Many believe that the graft allegations are an attempt to tarnish Mehdi’s reputation and silence him on the issue of Article 370. The ED probe, which has been ongoing for several years, has been criticized for its slow pace and lack of progress.
Mehdi has linked the timing of the charges to his opposition to Article 370 revocation and rising political dissent in the region. In his statement, he said, “The timing of these allegations is not a coincidence. It is an attempt to gag me and silence my voice on the issue of Article 370. The government is using its agencies to intimidate and harass me, but I will not be silenced.”
The controversy has sparked a renewed debate on the role of the ED and other investigating agencies in Kashmir. Critics have accused the agencies of being used as political tools to target opposition leaders and suppress dissent.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has also come out in support of Mehdi, terming the allegations “baseless and motivated.” JKPCC president, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, said, “Ruhullah Mehdi is a respected leader who has always stood for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. These allegations are an attempt to tarnish his reputation and silence him on the issue of Article 370.”
The controversy has also highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the functioning of investigating agencies in Kashmir. Many believe that the ED probe into Mehdi’s alleged irregularities is a prime example of how these agencies can be used to target opposition leaders and suppress dissent.
In conclusion, the graft allegations against Ruhullah Mehdi are a clear attempt to silence him on the issue of Article 370 revocation. The MP has denied the charges, citing the legal inheritance of the land, and has linked the timing of the allegations to his opposition to the government’s move. The controversy has sparked a renewed debate on the role of investigating agencies in Kashmir and the need for transparency and accountability in their functioning.
