ACB Files Chargesheet Against Former Education Dept Officials for Embezzling Scholarship Funds

Baramulla – The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against four former officials, including the then Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) of Tangdhar, in a case involving alleged embezzlement of over ₹8.3 lakh in scholarship funds meant for Pahari-speaking and Gujjar-Bakerwal students during 2010–11.

The ACB’s investigation followed initial allegations of financial fraud and manipulation in the disbursement of scholarships under the education department’s welfare schemes in Kupwara district. It revealed that then ZEO Tangdhar Mohammad Ashraf, along with Mohammad Ashraf  (Junior Assistant), Razia  (Junior Assistant), and Shafiqa (Zonal Gender Coordinator), allegedly hatched a criminal conspiracy to inflate student beneficiary lists and fabricate disbursement records.

According to the ACB, over 600 fictitious entries were made for Pahari-speaking students and more than 150 fake names were created under the Gujjar-Bakerwal category, siphoning off funds by falsely showing them as scholarship recipients.

The investigation further found that the officials fraudulently secured signatures from public representatives on expenditure certificates by misleading them into believing the scholarships had reached legitimate beneficiaries.

One of the accused, Ashraf Paswal, reportedly received ₹5 lakh directly into his personal J&K Bank account, later withdrawn in cash across ten installments.

Following the probe and securing of prosecution sanction, the ACB presented the chargesheet before the Additional Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court, Baramulla. All four accused were produced in custody and released on personal bonds. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 10, 2025.

ACB officials confirmed that Paswal is also undergoing trial in a separate disproportionate assets case.