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Srinagar : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday said it has filed a chargesheet against a former Block Development Officer (BDO), an Executive Engineer and five others for alleged embezzlement of government funds meant for developmental works in Kupwara’s Lolab and Lalpora areas.
In a statement to issued to the news agency a spokesperson said the chargesheet was presented before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla in FIR No. 02/2020 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla.
He said the case stems from allegations of corruption, criminal conspiracy, forgery and misappropriation of funds in works executed through the Rural Development Department.
“Investigation revealed irregularities in projects including the construction of a Sarband at Margi Diver (Kariwan) Phase-I and a Fisheries Pond at Diver-B.”
The spokesperson said probe uncovered false measurements, billing for non-existent work, execution of works on forest land without permission, and payments released for deficient and substandard works.
“Investigators found that officials, in alleged connivance with a beneficiary contractor, manipulated records, inflated measurements and facilitated fraudulent release of government funds, causing losses to the state exchequer,” he said.
“The accused include former BDO Sogam/Lalpora Mohd Sultan Bhat, then Executive Engineer REW Kupwara Er. Surinder Kumar Sharma, Assistant Executive Engineer Mohd Shafi Bukhari, Junior Engineers Taimur Ahmad Khan and Nisar Ahmad Khan, Village Level Worker/Secretary Panchayat Mohd Saleem Dar, and contractor Waseem Mehmood Khan.”
He added, all accused were produced before the court and granted bail on personal bonds. The court has fixed August 25, 2026 as the next date of hearing.—(KNO)
