Anantnag, April 29, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has secured the conviction of five accused in a decades-old case involving embezzlement of food grains and empty bags, with a special court in Anantnag awarding imprisonment and fines.
The Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Anantnag convicted the five former storekeepers in connection with FIR No. 09/1990 registered under Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act read with Section 409 RPC.
Names of Convicted Store-Keepers
Abdul Khaliq Shah of Ashmuqam, Ghulam Nabi Mir of Ashmuqam, Muhammad Shafi Rather of Devaroo Pahalgam, Ghulam Hassan Hajam of Kathsoo, and Muzaffar Ahmad Bichoo of Malaknag Anantnag.
The court sentenced each convict to two years of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In default of payment, an additional six months’ imprisonment has been ordered.
For the offence under Section 409 RPC, each convict has been sentenced to three years of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹2 lakh. In case of default, they will undergo an additional one year of imprisonment.
The case dates back to a complaint filed by the Deputy Director, Food and Supplies Department Srinagar on November 2, 1989, alleging embezzlement of food grains and empty bags worth ₹3,64,235.84 by the accused while posted at various sale centres in Pahalgam, Laripora, Aru, Dawatoo and adjoining areas.
Following the complaint, the case was registered on June 7, 1990 at Police Station VOK, now ACB, and after investigation, a charge sheet was filed on September 9, 2003.
The court had earlier convicted the accused on April 20, 2026, and subsequently pronounced the quantum of punishment on April 29, 2026.
The conviction concludes a prolonged legal process spanning over three decades, with the court holding the accused accountable for misappropriation of public resources.
The ACB said the outcome reflects continued efforts to enforce accountability in public service and pursue corruption cases to their conclusion. [KNT]
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