The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified its crackdown on corruption, securing the conviction of five former storekeepers in a long-standing food grain misappropriation case in Pahalgam. In a parallel development, the ACB has also filed a chargesheet against a former Block Development Officer (BDO) in Kupwara and four others in a separate case involving the alleged siphoning of government funds. These actions underscore the bureau’s commitment to accountability and the pursuit of justice in public service.
In a significant verdict delivered by the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Anantnag, five individuals were found guilty of misappropriating food grains and empty bags. The convicted individuals include Abdul Khaliq Shah, Gh Nabi Mir, Mohd Shafi Rather, Gh. Hassan Hajam, and Muzaffar Ahmad Bichoo, all of whom served as storekeepers in various Food Supplies Sale Centers across the Pahalgam circle. The case, registered under FIR No. 09/1990, dates back to a complaint filed by the Deputy Director of the Food and Supplies Department Srinagar on November 2, 1989, which reported an embezzlement of food grains and empty bags amounting to Rs 364,235.84. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the alleged misappropriation occurred during the period from April 1989 to September 1989. The case was officially registered by the Vigilance Organization, Kashmir (now ACB), on June 7, 1990, and following a thorough investigation, the chargesheet was presented before the court on September 9, 2003. The court, after examining the evidence, convicted the accused under Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, read with Section 409 of the Ranbir Penal Code. The court has scheduled arguments on the quantum of punishment for April 24, 2026, marking a crucial step towards the final resolution of this decades-old case.
In another significant development, the ACB has presented a chargesheet against Abdul Majeed Ganie, the former Block Development Officer of Kupwara, along with three other public servants and two private beneficiaries. This case stems from a complaint lodged through the ACB grievance portal on July 19, 2021, by Fayaz Ahmad of Halmatpora, Kupwara, alleging embezzlement of funds designated for developmental works under various schemes by officials of Block Kupwara. The ACB’s investigation revealed that the accused public servants, including Bashir Ahmad Mir (then Junior Assistant) and Sajad Ahmad Dar (then MISO/GRS), allegedly conspired with private individuals Zakir Hussain Pir and Gowher Yaqoob Khan to fraudulently siphon off government funds. This was reportedly achieved by manipulating official records and fabricating electronic data, leading to the diversion of funds into unauthorized bank accounts, including those belonging to relatives and associates of the accused. The investigation also uncovered instances of double drawal of payments, fraudulent disbursements for non-existent works, and the illegal routing of labor payments through job card holders, followed by their subsequent misappropriation. Furthermore, it was discovered that official records pertaining to the works under investigation were deliberately destroyed or withheld, and crucial electronic evidence, including Digital Signature Certificates, was not produced, indicating an attempt to conceal the offense. The accused public servants, by abusing their official positions, are alleged to have caused a wrongful loss to the state exchequer amounting to ₹4,86,170, while simultaneously securing an unlawful gain for themselves and their associates. The offenses established during the investigation fall under Section 5(1)(c) and 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, along with Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code. The chargesheet in Case FIR No. 11/2021 has been presented before the court for judicial determination.
These twin actions by the Anti-Corruption Bureau highlight a renewed vigor in tackling corruption across the Union Territory. The conviction in the Pahalgam case, which originated nearly three and a half decades ago, demonstrates the ACB’s perseverance in pursuing long-pending matters. The filing of chargesheet in the Kupwara case, which is more recent, indicates a proactive approach to investigating allegations of financial irregularities in developmental projects. The ACB’s efforts are aimed at restoring public trust by ensuring that those who misuse their positions for personal gain are brought to justice. The bureau continues to encourage citizens to report instances of corruption through its grievance portal, reinforcing its role as a key institution in upholding probity in governance.
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.
