Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a charge-sheet against six public servants and a contractor in connection with the alleged embezzlement of government funds meant for developmental works in Block Lolab/Lalpora of Kupwara district.
The charge-sheet was filed before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, in FIR No. 02/2020 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla.
According to the ACB, the case originated from a complaint alleging large-scale irregularities in development works executed through the Rural Development Department in Lolab. Subsequent verification by the then Vigilance Organisation Kashmir, now the ACB, reportedly uncovered serious irregularities in the execution of two projects — construction of a sarband at Margi Diver (Kariwan) Phase-I and construction of a fisheries pond at Diver-B.
The inquiry found instances of false measurements, billing for non-existent work components, execution of works on forest land without the required permissions and release of payments for allegedly deficient and substandard works, prompting registration of the FIR and a detailed investigation.
Investigators alleged that the accused, in conspiracy with the beneficiary contractor, abused their official positions by facilitating fraudulent execution of works, preparing false records, inflating measurements and authorising release of government funds. The investigation also found alleged losses to the government exchequer due to non-existent works, excess measurements, substandard execution and fraudulent claims.
The ACB further alleged that fictitious entries regarding the felling of trees had been incorporated into official records to inflate bills and secure undue financial benefits.
The charge-sheet names Mohd. Sultan Bhat, then Block Development Officer, Sogam/Lalpora; Er. Surinder Kumar Sharma, then Executive Engineer, REW Division Kupwara; Mohd. Shafi Bukhari, then Assistant Executive Engineer, REW Kupwara; Taimur Ahmad Khan, then Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora; Nisar Ahmad Khan, then Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora; Mohd. Saleem Dar, then Village Level Worker and Panchayat Secretary; and Waseem Mehmood Khan, the beneficiary contractor.
After obtaining prosecution sanction against the serving public servants from the competent authority, the ACB filed the charge-sheet before the court. All the accused were produced before the court and were admitted to bail on furnishing personal bonds.
The accused have been charged under Section 5(1)(c), Section 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, along with other relevant provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
The court has fixed August 25, 2026, as the next date of hearing.
