The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Jammu has filed a supplementary chargesheet against ten individuals implicated in the alleged misappropriation and diversion of over Rs 1.38 crore from the Sub-Treasury in Dharmari, Reasi district. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities that have shaken the region’s treasury operations.
The supplementary chargesheet was formally presented before the Court of Reasi’s Chief Judicial Magistrate. The case, which was initially registered in 2024, centers on allegations of manipulation within the Treasury-Net system. Investigators have detailed how forged bills and vouchers, purportedly under pension and National Pension System (NPS) heads, were allegedly prepared and utilized to facilitate the diversion of government funds. A spokesperson for the Crime Branch elaborated on the intricate nature of the alleged fraud, highlighting the systemic breaches that allowed for such a substantial financial loss.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the initial complaint that triggered this investigation was lodged by Qamar Rehman, the District Treasury Officer of Reasi. Following the registration of the case at the Arnas Police Station, the responsibility for a thorough probe was transferred to the Crime Branch (EOW) Jammu. This transition allowed for a more specialized and in-depth examination of the financial records and operational procedures of the sub-treasury.
The investigating agency undertook a meticulous process of scrutinizing Treasury records, meticulously examining bank account transactions, and verifying all relevant bills and vouchers pertaining to the period under investigation. This comprehensive review was crucial in establishing the timeline and the extent of the alleged financial malfeasance. The spokesperson for the Crime Branch detailed that the questioned bills and vouchers were subjected to forensic examination to ascertain their authenticity and the methods used in their creation.
The forensic examination report, coupled with other documentary evidence and oral testimonies gathered, provided critical insights into the alleged scheme. According to the spokesperson, the findings indicated that the principal accused were responsible for the preparation of the questioned bills and vouchers. Furthermore, the investigation delved into the signatures appearing on these crucial documents, seeking to establish their connection with the officials involved and the extent of their complicity in the fraudulent activities.
Based on the substantial evidence collected throughout the extensive investigation, offenses under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) have been established against three individuals identified as the principal accused: Ali Hussain Shah, Balbir Singh, and Ajeet Kumar. The Crime Branch spokesperson confirmed that these individuals are alleged to have played central roles in orchestrating the fraud. The investigation also brought to light the involvement of seven additional accused persons, namely Arshad-e-Azam, Abrar-e-Azam, Rubeena Kousar, Mohd Rafiq, Shokat Ali, Mohd Ashraf, and Nasib Mohammad. Offenses under relevant sections of law have been established against them in connection with the alleged dishonest receipt and retention of government funds, suggesting a broader network of individuals involved in the financial irregularities.
The Crime Branch has emphasized that the investigation remains open and active. This ongoing effort is aimed at tracing any further diversion of government funds that may have occurred and at ascertaining the potential involvement of any other individuals who may have played a role in the elaborate scheme. The spokesperson indicated that the agency is committed to a thorough and exhaustive inquiry to ensure accountability and to recover any misappropriated assets, underscoring the gravity of the case and the commitment to upholding financial integrity within government institutions.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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