Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a charge sheet against a former junior assistant posted in the office of the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Manjakote, in Rajouri district for alleged misappropriation of funds and foodgrain meant for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
According to the ACB, the charge sheet was filed before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Rajouri, against Mohammad Farooq, then junior assistant and dealing hand for the scheme in the ZEO office, in connection with FIR No. 26/2018.
The case originated from a verification that allegedly revealed misappropriation of rice allocated under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme during the fourth quarter of 2014-15. Investigators alleged that Farooq, along with then ZEO Manjakote Shah Nawaz Khan, who has since died, manipulated official records and prepared forged documents to facilitate the embezzlement.
The ACB said its investigation, including scrutiny of records and forensic examination, found that 256.40 quintals of rice worth over ₹8 lakh and cooking costs amounting to ₹4.61 lakh were allegedly misappropriated. The total loss to the state exchequer was estimated at around ₹12.65 lakh.
Following completion of the investigation and receipt of prosecution sanction from the competent authority, the charge sheet was filed against Farooq. Proceedings against the former ZEO were not pursued due to his death.
The court has fixed September 29, 2026, as the next date of hearing.
