ACB Chargesheets Former BDO, Engineer and Five Others in Funds Embezzlement Case

Srinagar, June 24: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against six former public servants and a contractor in connection with the alleged embezzlement of government funds meant for developmental works in the Lolab and Lalpora areas of Kupwara district.

According to an ACB statement, the case pertains to alleged irregularities in the execution of two projects — Construction of Sarband at Margi Diver (Kariwan) Phase-I and Construction of Fisheries Pond at Diver-B — undertaken through the Rural Development Department.

The chargesheet has been filed in FIR No. 02/2020 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla following an investigation into complaints of large-scale irregularities in developmental works in Block Lolab/Lalpora.

In line with Ziraat Times’ policy of protecting the privacy of families pending indictment, the accused have been identified as M. Sultan, former Block Development Officer, Sogam/Lalpora; S. Kumar, former Executive Engineer, REW Division Kupwara; M. Shafi, former Assistant Executive Engineer, REW Kupwara; T. Ahmad, former Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora; N. Ahmad, former Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora; M. Saleem, former Village Level Worker and Panchayat Secretary; and W. Mehmood, a contractor.

The ACB said its investigation revealed alleged falsification of measurements, billing for non-existent works, execution of works on forest land without requisite permissions, release of payments for deficient and substandard works, and incorporation of fictitious entries relating to tree felling to inflate bills and secure undue financial benefits.

Investigators alleged that the accused, acting in conspiracy, abused their official positions by facilitating fraudulent execution of works, preparing false records, inflating measurements and authorising the release of government funds, causing losses to the public exchequer.

After obtaining prosecution sanction from the competent authority, the ACB filed the chargesheet under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and relevant sections of the Ranbir Penal Code.

All accused were produced before the court and admitted to bail upon furnishing personal bonds. The court has fixed August 25, 2026, as the next date of hearing.