Srinagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a charge sheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against two retired public servants for their alleged involvement in embezzlement and misappropriation of government store material worth ₹2.13 crore in the erstwhile PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora.
The charge sheet has been filed against Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, then Senior Assistant/Storekeeper, and Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, then In-charge Executive Engineer, PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora, under relevant sections of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, and Sections 409 and 120-B RPC.
According to the ACB, the case originated from source information regarding alleged large-scale misappropriation of government store material procured by the PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora, during the financial year 2011-12.
An open verification conducted by the then Vigilance Organisation Kashmir revealed shortages and deficiencies in the government stores, following which a case was registered and a detailed investigation initiated.
The investigation revealed that the accused officials, while entrusted with custody, management and supervision of government stores, allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy and misappropriated quantities of GI Pipes, Union GI Pipes, QCC Pipes and TOR Steel (TMT Bars).
The ACB stated that while the initial verification assessed the loss at around ₹65.11 lakh, the detailed investigation established the actual loss to the government exchequer at ₹2,13,16,362.
The investigation further established that Bashir Ahmad Sheikh continued to function as Storekeeper and retained control over divisional stores even after retirement, allegedly with the knowledge and permission of Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, who failed to ensure proper supervision and mandatory verification of stores.
The probe also found violations of provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Financial Code governing government stores. Physical verification and reconciliation of records established substantial shortages, resulting in financial loss to the state exchequer.
The ACB said the investigation concluded that the accused officials, by allegedly abusing their official positions and acting in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy, caused wrongful loss to the government.
The accused were produced before the court and were granted bail after furnishing personal bail bonds. The next date of hearing has been fixed for September 5, 2026.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau reiterated its commitment towards preventing corruption and taking strict action against cases involving embezzlement, misappropriation and misuse of public funds and government assets.
