Srinagar, June 5, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has registered a corruption case following the outcome of a Joint Surprise Check into alleged financial irregularities, procedural violations and abuse of official position in connection with development works executed at the Centre of Excellence, Zawoora Garden, Srinagar.
The enquiry was initiated by Police Station ACB Srinagar to examine allegations surrounding the execution of works undertaken by the Horticulture Department under the project.
According to the ACB, the verification revealed prima facie evidence of serious irregularities in the tendering and execution process.
The enquiry found that the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) was allegedly framed without specific quality parameters and technical specifications, creating scope for arbitrary decision-making. Investigators also found that financial provisions incorporated in the tender were substantially higher than those envisaged in the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The ACB further alleged that the eligibility criteria relating to financial turnover were fixed at an unusually high threshold despite the actual project requirement being significantly lower. The condition, according to the enquiry, restricted competition and allegedly favoured a particular bidder.
The findings indicate prima facie abuse of official position, criminal misconduct and criminal conspiracy involving public servants and a beneficiary private firm, resulting in alleged undue pecuniary advantage to the contractor and corresponding loss to the government.
Consequently, FIR No. 09/2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120-B RPC against the then Director Horticulture Kashmir, members of the District Level Purchase Committee (DLPC), members of the Inspection Committee, beneficiary contractor M/S Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd., and other involved persons.
The ACB said further investigation is underway to determine the role and culpability of all concerned and to take appropriate legal action in accordance with law. [KNT]
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