Srinagar , Jan 2: A chargesheet has been filed in a large-scale corruption case involving alleged embezzlement of government funds and illegal appointments in the Electric Division Sumbal. The case pertains to FIR No. 25/2018 and includes offences related to cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and corruption.
The chargesheet has been submitted before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against 108 accused individuals. Those named include senior and junior officials of the Electric Division Sumbal and employees of a local bank branch, along with dozens of individuals shown as fake employees.
Among the accused are 15 Executive Engineers, six Assistant Accounts Officers, one Accounts Assistant, six Head Assistants, four Senior Assistants, four Junior Assistants and one orderly who were posted in the division at different times. The chargesheet also names 25 officers and officials of a bank branch in Sumbal Sonawari and 46 individuals who were allegedly illegally appointed as employees. One of the key accused identified as the kingpin is Mushtaq Ahmad Malik of Aragam, Bandipora.
Investigators said the case was registered after inputs suggested that the Drawing and Disbursing Officer, in connivance with departmental officials and bank staff, fraudulently withdrew crores of rupees from government accounts. The money was allegedly siphoned off through fake appointments and unauthorised salary payments.
During the investigation, a substantial amount of money was recovered from the prime accused and deposited back into the government treasury. It was also found that large sums had been routed through multiple bank accounts, including savings and fixed deposits, along with accrued interest.
After completion of the investigation and grant of prosecution sanction by the government, the chargesheet has been filed for judicial determination.
