Srinagar, Aug 10, KDC: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a charge-sheet against 10 persons, including nine public servants and a private contractor, in connection with alleged embezzlement of government store material, fraudulent release of security deposits, forgery and abuse of official position in the construction of the Lastiyal-Kalaroose steel bridge in Kupwara.
According to an ACB statement issued here, the case originated from an Open Verification conducted by the erstwhile Vigilance Organisation Kashmir into allegations of loss to the State exchequer allegedly caused by the contractor in connivance with officials of the PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara.
The ACB said the bridge work was allotted to contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone in September 2010, with a stipulated completion period of three months. However, the contractor allegedly commenced the work after considerable delay, executed only part of it and subsequently abandoned the project.
“Departmental store material comprising cement and steel remained unaccounted for/unrecovered, valued at approximately Rs 5.63 lakh,” the ACB said.
The investigation also revealed the alleged fraudulent release and encashment of the contractor’s CDR amounting to Rs 73,000 on the basis of a forged communication purportedly issued by the competent departmental authority, it said.
The ACB further alleged that Bill Deposits amounting to Rs 81,400 were irregularly released despite outstanding government liabilities.
“The investigation also brought on record alleged lapses on the part of engineering and accounts officials in safeguarding Government material, enforcing contractual conditions and ensuring recovery of Government dues,” the statement said.
According to the ACB, the alleged acts resulted in a total loss of Rs 7,12,150 to the State exchequer.
The accused charge-sheeted in the case include Mohammad Sultan Sheikh (Retd.) and Er. Ajit Singh Chopra (Retd.), both former Executive Engineers of PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara.
The other accused are Abdul Majeed Malik, then Helper/Assistant Cashier; Ghulam Rasool Lone, then Cashier/Senior Assistant; Er. Nazir Ahmad Shah (Retd.), then Assistant Executive Engineer; Er. Abdul Rashid Dar (Retd.), then Assistant Executive Engineer; Er. Manzoor Ahmad Sumji, then Junior Engineer; Gh. Qadir Bhat (Retd.), then Assistant Accounts Officer; Abdul Hamid Dar, then Assistant Accounts Officer; and private contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone.
“After completion of investigation, requisite sanction for prosecution against the in-service accused public servants was accorded by the competent authority,” the ACB said, adding that the charge-sheet was based on oral, documentary, scientific and other evidence collected during the investigation.
All 10 accused were produced before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, on Monday along with the charge-sheet and were admitted to bail after furnishing bail and surety bonds as directed by the court.
The court has fixed November 25, 2026 as the next date of hearing, the ACB said. (KDC)
