Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has registered a case following a Joint Surprise Check that revealed alleged corruption, financial irregularities and procedural violations in development works executed by the Horticulture Department at Zawoora Garden in Srinagar.
According to the ACB, the Joint Surprise Check was conducted by Police Station ACB Srinagar to examine allegations related to the development of the Centre of Excellence at Zawoora Garden. The enquiry reportedly uncovered prima facie evidence of serious irregularities in the tendering process and execution of works under the project.
The verification found that the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) was allegedly framed without adequate quality parameters and technical specifications, creating scope for arbitrary decision-making. It was also found that financial provisions incorporated in the tender were substantially higher than those envisaged in the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The enquiry further revealed that the eligibility criteria relating to financial turnover were allegedly fixed at an unusually high level despite the actual requirement being significantly lower. According to the ACB, this condition may have restricted fair competition and favoured a particular bidder.
The findings of the Joint Surprise Check prima facie indicate abuse of official position, criminal misconduct and criminal conspiracy involving public servants and a beneficiary private firm, resulting in alleged undue pecuniary advantage to the contractor and corresponding loss to the government.
Following the enquiry, FIR No. 09/2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Section 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and Section 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
The case has been registered against the then Director Horticulture Kashmir, members of the District Level Purchase Committee (DLPC), members of the Inspection Committee, the beneficiary contractor M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd., and other persons allegedly involved in the matter.
The ACB said further investigation has been taken up to ascertain the role and culpability of all concerned and to initiate appropriate legal action in accordance with law.
