The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has filed a charge-sheet against six public servants and a contractor in connection with an alleged embezzlement of government funds meant for developmental works in Kupwara district. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The charge-sheet was presented before the court of the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, in connection with FIR No. 02/2020 registered at ACB Police Station Baramulla.
Complaint Triggered Investigation
The case originated from a complaint alleging large-scale irregularities in development projects executed through the Rural Development Department in Block Lolab/Lalpora of Kupwara district.
Following the complaint, the then Vigilance Organization Kashmir, now functioning as the Anti-Corruption Bureau, conducted a verification which reportedly uncovered serious violations in the execution of several public works.
Works Under Investigation
The investigation focused on projects including:
- Construction of Sarband at Margi Diver (Kariwan) Phase-I
- Construction of Fisheries Pond at Diver-B
According to the ACB, the projects were allegedly used to facilitate fraudulent financial claims and unauthorised release of government funds.
Allegations of Fraudulent Execution
Investigators found evidence suggesting that the accused officials, along with the contractor, entered into a criminal conspiracy to misuse their official positions.
The probe alleged that they:
- Prepared false official records
- Inflated measurements of works
- Approved unauthorised payments
- Claimed expenses for non-existent works
- Executed projects below prescribed standards
- Submitted fraudulent bills and claims
The investigation further revealed that fictitious entries related to the felling of trees were allegedly added to official records to increase bill amounts.
Officials and Contractor Named in Charge-Sheet
The charge-sheet names the following accused:
- Mohd Sultan Bhat, then Block Development Officer, Sogam/Lalpora
- Er. Surinder Kumar Sharma, then Executive Engineer, REW Division Kupwara
- Mohd Shafi Bukhari, then Assistant Executive Engineer, REW Kupwara
- Taimur Ahmad Khan, then Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora
- Nisar Ahmad Khan, then Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora
- Mohd Saleem Dar, then Village Level Worker/Secretary Panchayat
- Waseem Mehmood Khan, beneficiary contractor
Court Proceedings Begin
After obtaining the required prosecution sanction from the competent authority, the ACB formally filed the charge-sheet before the court.
All accused were produced before the court and were granted bail after furnishing personal bonds.
Charges Invoked
The accused have been charge-sheeted under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, including:
- Section 5(1)(c)
- Section 5(1)(d)
- Section 5(2)
They also face charges under relevant provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
The court has scheduled the next hearing in the case for August 25, 2026.
ACB Reaffirms Anti-Corruption Drive
The Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that it remains committed to conducting fair, transparent and time-bound investigations into corruption cases across Jammu and Kashmir.
The agency reiterated its resolve to ensure accountability in the use of public funds and to take action against those found involved in corrupt practices.
4. Q&A Section
Q1. What is the Kupwara corruption case about?
The case involves alleged embezzlement of government funds meant for development works in Block Lolab/Lalpora, Kupwara.
Q2. How many people have been charge-sheeted?
The ACB has charge-sheeted six public servants and one contractor, taking the total number of accused to seven.
Q3. When is the next court hearing?
The Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, has fixed August 25, 2026, as the next date of hearing.
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