Govt dismisses PHE employee over involvement in drug case

Srinagar, Jun 1: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate dismissal of employee posted in Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Poonch, following his involvement in a narcotics case under the NDPS Act.
As per an order issued by Jal Shakti department, Shabir Hussain, Khalasi, PHE Division Poonch was involved in FIR No. 167/2024 u/s 8/21/22 of NDPS Act in connection with the recovery of 4-6 grams of Heroin-like substance and was arrested for narcotic-related crimes, and remained in judicial custody with effect from 14.09.2024 to 28.10.2024 (01 month and 14 days).
Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu vide letter No. PHEJ/GE/1483 dated 28.04.2025 has intimated that Shri Shabir Hussain, Khalasi, PHE Division Poonch, was arrested by the Police Station Poonch in case FIR No. 167/2024 and was placed under suspension by the Executive Engineer, PHE Division Poonch vide Order No. PHEP/3196-99 dated 18.09.2024 in terms of Rule 31 (2) of J&K Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, from the date the official was arrested i.e. on 14.09.2024, it reads.
Order reads, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu vide No. PHEJ/GE/21359-62 dated 26.03.2025 has served Memorandum, Article of Charges, Statement of Imputations to Shri Shabir Hussain, Khalasi to furnish the written statement of defence within a period of 15 days on the charges levelled against him. The Charged Official has furnished his reply in defense on 28.03.2025.
It reads that, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu vide Order No. PHEJ/GE/165-67 dated 04.04.2025 appointed an Inquiry Officer to enquire into the charges leveled against Shri Shabir Hussain, Khalasi who was found involved in a case pertaining to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance.
Order further reads, Inquiry Officer provided the opportunity of being heard to the Charged Official vide letter No. PHEDN/2025-26/341-44 dated 04.04.2025 and thereafter, vide letter No. PHEDN/2025-26/438-41 dated 24.04.2025, to appear before the Inquiry Officer on 25.04.2025 to provide clarification, if any, and defend his position regarding the charges leveled against him, it reads. In response, the charged official furnished a written statement in which he has maintained his innocence and stated that his case is pending before the Hon’ble Court at the stage of prosecution witness.
Whereas, considering all the relevant facts on record, the Inquiry Officer has submitted the enquiry report alongwith following recommendations, “it is evident from police record that 4-6 grams of Heroin were recovered from his possession. This quantity does not qualify as commercial under the NDPS Act and may be presumed for personal use. Nonetheless, possession of illegal substances such as heroin constitutes a violation of both the law and the department’s core values.”
Order reads, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu vide letter No. PHEJ/GE/1483 dated 28.04.2025, has endorsed the recommendations of the Inquiry Officer against the said employee; and Whereas, the matter has been examined in detailed in the department and in light of the irrefutable evidence, Police investigations, arrest, custodial detention, and pending criminal trials, it is evident that Shabir Hussain, Khalasi, PHE Division Poonch has engaged in illegal narcotic activities and thus his continued association with the government is untenable and detrimental to public interest, it reads.
The case of Shri Shabir Hussain, Khalasi, PHE Division Poonch was placed before the Competent Authority for acceptance of the report of the Inquiry Officer and the Competent Authority has, after due consideration, in exercise of the powers vested under Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India, decided to impose the penalty of dismissal from the service of the State which ordinarily disqualifies him from future employment, as his continued employment poses a grave risk to public welfare and erodes trust in government institutions, it reads.
Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered that in terms of Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India, Shri Shabir Hussain S/o Late Shakar Din R/o Degwar Terwan, Tehsil Haveli District Poonch, working as Khalasi, Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Poonch, currently under suspension, is hereby dismissed from service, of the State with immediate effect. He is also disqualified from any future employment with the government, reads the order. (JKNS)