Srinagar, May 21 (KDC): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a formal case against Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, In-charge Storekeeper in the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department, following a verification that revealed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Bhat, son of Abdul Rashid Bhat and a resident of Tarzoo Sopore, currently residing at Sidiq Colony, Noorabad Bypass Sopore in Baramulla district, was appointed as a Depot Assistant in the CAPD Department in 1998. He held postings as In-Charge Storekeeper at various locations in Baramulla from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2016.
The ACB verification found that during this period, Bhat accumulated substantial movable and immovable assets in his name and in the names of his family members. These include One kanal of land at Estate Ranbir Garh Pratap Garh, Mirgund (2008), One kanal of land at Noorabad Bypass, Estate Nowpora Kalan Sopore (2010), Seven marlas of land (Plot No. 240 A, Bay 04) at Rakh Arath Housing Colony, Bemina Srinagar (2014), A double-storey residential house constructed on the Bemina land between 2014–2016, a Maruti 800 vehicle (JK05B-6670) purchased in 2013 and a Scooty Aviator (JK05D-4662) also purchased in 2013
The probe also revealed large cash deposits in Bhat’s and his family members’ bank accounts, raising further suspicion. According to officials, the assets and expenditures were disproportionate to Bhat’s legitimate income, and he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Following the conclusion of the verification, a case was registered and investigations formally initiated. The ACB obtained search warrants from the Anti-Corruption Court in Baramulla and carried out searches at multiple locations associated with the accused. During these searches, several incriminating materials were recovered and seized in the presence of magistrates.
Further investigations are underway. (KDC)
