ACB Chargesheets 10, Including Two Former Executive Engineers, in Rs 7.12 Lakh Kupwara Bridge Scam Case
Srinagar, Aug 10, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jammu and Kashmir has filed a charge-sheet against 10 persons, including nine former and serving public servants and a private contractor, in a case involving alleged misappropriation of government store material, fraudulent release of security deposit, forgery and abuse of official position in connection with the construction of the Lastiyal-Kalaroose steel bridge in Kupwara.
The charge-sheet was presented before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, on Monday in a case involving an alleged loss of Rs 7.12 lakh to the State exchequer.
According to the ACB, the case originated from an open verification conducted by the erstwhile Vigilance Organization Kashmir into allegations that the contractor, in alleged connivance with officials of the PWD (R&B) Division, Kupwara, caused financial loss to the government.
The bridge work was allotted to contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone in September 2010, with a stipulated completion period of three months. The investigation found that the contractor commenced the work after a considerable delay, completed only part of the work and subsequently abandoned the project.
The ACB said departmental store material, including cement and steel, remained unaccounted for or unrecovered. The value of the material was assessed at approximately Rs 5.63 lakh.
The investigation also found alleged fraudulent release and encashment of the contractor’s Cash Deposit Receipt (CDR) of Rs 73,000, allegedly on the basis of a forged communication purportedly issued by the competent departmental authority.
In addition, Bill Deposits amounting to Rs 81,400 were allegedly released despite outstanding government liabilities, according to the investigation.
The ACB said the investigation brought on record alleged lapses by engineering and accounts officials in safeguarding government material, enforcing contractual conditions and ensuring recovery of government dues. According to the agency, the combined acts resulted in a total loss of Rs 7,12,150 to the State exchequer.
Those charge-sheeted include Abdul Majeed Malik, then Helper/Assistant Cashier; Ghulam Rasool Lone, then Cashier/Senior Assistant; Mohammad Sultan Sheikh (Retd.), then Executive Engineer; Er. Ajit Singh Chopra (Retd.), then Executive Engineer; Er. Nazir Ahmad Shah (Retd.), then Assistant Executive Engineer; Er. Abdul Rashid Dar (Retd.), then Assistant Executive Engineer; Er. Manzoor Ahmad Sumji, then Junior Engineer; Gh. Qadir Bhat (Retd.), then Assistant Accounts Officer; Abdul Hamid Dar, then Assistant Accounts Officer; and private contractor/beneficiary Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone.
The ACB said requisite sanction for prosecution against the in-service public servants was obtained from the competent authority before filing the charge-sheet.
All 10 accused appeared before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, along with the charge-sheet and were admitted to bail after furnishing bail and surety bonds as directed by the court.
The court has fixed Nov 25, 2026 as the next date of hearing. [KNT]
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