Srinagar, June 25, KDC: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday said it has filed a charge-sheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against two retired public servants for their alleged involvement in the embezzlement and misappropriation of government store material worth over ₹2.13 crore in the erstwhile PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora.
According to an ACB statement, the charge-sheet has been filed against Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, then Senior Assistant and Storekeeper, and Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, then In-charge Executive Engineer, PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora, for offences punishable under the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
The ACB said that the case originated from source information alleging large-scale embezzlement of government store material procured by the division during the financial year 2011-12. It said an open verification conducted by the then Vigilance Organization Kashmir revealed shortages and deficiencies in store material, following which a formal case was registered and a detailed investigation was launched.
According to the statement, the investigation revealed that the accused officials, while entrusted with the custody, management and supervision of government stores, allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy and “dishonestly misappropriated substantial quantities of GI Pipes, Union GI Pipes, QCC Pipes and TOR Steel (TMT Bars).” The ACB said that while the loss detected during the initial verification was assessed at ₹65.11 lakh, the detailed investigation established the actual loss to the government at ₹2,13,16,362.
The bureau further alleged that Bashir Ahmad Sheikh continued to function as Storekeeper and retained control of the divisional stores even after his retirement “with the knowledge and permission” of Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, who allegedly failed to ensure proper supervision and mandatory verification of stores.
The statement said the investigation uncovered “serious violations of the Jammu and Kashmir Financial Code governing Government stores” and that physical verification along with reconciliation of records established substantial shortages of store material, resulting in a significant loss to the State exchequer.
According to the ACB, the investigation concluded that the accused officials, “in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy and by abusing their official positions, dishonestly misappropriated Government property” and caused a wrongful loss of ₹2,13,16,362 to the government.
The bureau said both accused were produced before the court, which admitted them to bail upon furnishing personal bonds. The next date of hearing has been fixed for September 5, 2026.
The allegations contained in the charge-sheet represent the findings of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The guilt or innocence of the accused persons will be determined by the court during the course of judicial proceedings.
The ACB reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in the handling of public funds and government assets. (KDC)
