LAHORE, Oct 30: The Anti-Corruption Establishment has arrested Ferozewala tehsildar Najam Hafeez on charges of illegal transfer of 158 kanals of land Rs80 million, and restored the property to its legal owner.

According to details, expat Muhammad Yousuf, based in England, submitted an application to the ACE director-General that he purchased 158 kanals of land and gave power of attorney for 72 kanals to Mahmood Ahmed which was later cancelled by him. Mahmood Ahmed tried to get registered the entire land in his name through sub-registrar, Ferozewala, but he refused as the power of attorney had been cancelled.

Later, Mahmood Ahmed contacted tehsildar Najam Hafeez who, after receiving a heavy bribe, transferred 158 kanals of land in his name. The accused transferred the land verbally and gave verification of a gardawar who was not even posted in the area. After two months of entry of transfer of the land, the government fee was deposited with the exchequer.

The applicant informed the DG that though a case had been registered with the office of the ACE, Sheikhupura, about two years back but the demand of justice had not been fulfilled as the accused was well connected.

The director-general directed Sheikhpura deputy director to transfer the enquiry to the headquarters and ordered deputy director general Usman Anwar to probe the matter who completed the inquiry within a month.