ACB chargesheets 10 persons in bridge material embezzlement case

Srinagar, Aug 10: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday chargesheeted 10 persons, including two former executive engineers and a private contractor, in an alleged Rs 7.12 lakh embezzlement and fraud case linked to the Lastiyal-Kalaroose bridge in Kupwara.
In a statement, a spokesperson said the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu & Kashmir, has presented a charge-sheet before the competent court against 10 accused persons, including nine public servants and one private contractor, in a case relating to alleged misappropriation of government store material, fraudulent release of a security deposit, forgery, abuse of official position and criminal conspiracy in connection with the construction of a steel bridge at Lastiyal-Kalaroose, Kupwara.
He said the case originated from an Open Verification conducted by the erstwhile Vigilance Organization Kashmir into allegations of loss to the State exchequer by the beneficiary contractor in connivance with officials of PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara.
The spokesperson said investigation revealed that the bridge work was allotted to contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone in September 2010, with stipulated completion within three months. The contractor commenced the work after considerable delay, executed only part of the work and subsequently abandoned the project. Departmental store material comprising cement and steel remained unaccounted for/unrecovered, valued at approximately Rs 5.63 lakh.
He said investigation further revealed fraudulent release and encashment of the contractor’s CDR amounting to Rs 73,000 on the basis of a forged communication purportedly issued by the competent departmental authority. The investigation also brought on record alleged irregular release of Bill Deposits amounting to Rs 81,400 despite outstanding government liabilities, besides lapses on the part of engineering and accounts officials in safeguarding government material, enforcing contractual conditions and ensuring recovery of government dues.
“Thereby a total loss of Rs 7,12,150 to state exchequer was caused by accused public servants in connivance with contractor.”
The spokesperson said after completion of investigation, requisite sanction for prosecution against the in-service accused public servants was accorded by the competent authority.
Accordingly, on the basis of the oral, documentary, scientific and other evidence collected during investigation, the following 10 accused persons have been charge-sheeted: Abdul Majeed Malik – then Helper/Assistant Cashier, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Ghulam Rasool Lone – then Cashier/Senior Assistant, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Mohammad Sultan Sheikh (Retd.) – then Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Ajit Singh Chopra (Retd.) – then Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Nazir Ahmad Shah (Retd.) – then Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Abdul Rashid Dar (Retd.) – then Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Manzoor Ahmad Sumji – then Junior Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Gh. Qadir Bhat (Retd.) – then Assistant Accounts Officer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; Abdul Hamid Dar – then Assistant Accounts Officer, PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara; and Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone – private contractor/beneficiary.
The spokesperson said all 10 accused persons were presented before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, today along with the charge-sheet and were admitted to bail upon furnishing bail and surety bonds as directed by the Court. The Court has fixed November 25, 2026 as the next date of hearing. (KNO)