Court Finds Gaps in Probe Into Alleged Fake Documents Used for Teacher Appointment in Central Kashmir

Budgam, April 16, KNT: A court in Budgam has raised serious concerns over the police investigation into an alleged fraud involving a Rehbar-e-Taleem (RET) teacher appointment, observing that the probe was conducted in “hot haste” and failed to examine crucial aspects of the case.

The order was passed by the Sub-Judge/Special Mobile Magistrate, Budgam, while hearing a final or closure report submitted in FIR No. 203/2021 under Section 420 IPC, which pertains to allegations of cheating and use of forged documents in securing a teaching post.

The case centers on allegations that Muzaffar Mohiuddin Mir secured a RET position in Ompora Housing Colony by using forged Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) and related revenue documents, following a complaint filed by Waheeda Yaseen.

According to the court record, the complainant alleged that the accused possessed multiple PRCs issued from different districts and used influence through relatives in government departments to obtain and validate these documents.

The court noted that while the investigation involved correspondence with multiple departments, including revenue and administrative offices, key inconsistencies remained unresolved, particularly regarding migration records, issuance of PRCs, and whether earlier certificates had been formally surrendered.

In its observations, the court pointed out that several official records were either incomplete or could not be traced, raising questions about the reliability of the conclusions drawn in the closure report.

The magistrate further recorded that the Investigating Officer did not examine important witnesses, including revenue officials from Budgam and Handwara, whose statements were considered essential to establish the authenticity of documents and procedural compliance.

“The I.O. has acted in hot haste without recording statement of material witnesses,” the order notes, adding that vital aspects of the case were left uninvestigated.

The court also highlighted that no clear determination was made on whether the accused had surrendered an earlier PRC before obtaining another, a requirement central to assessing the legality of the documents in question.

The complainant, who contested the closure report, alleged that the accused manipulated documents and obtained the job through fraudulent means, while also pointing to possible involvement of officials across departments.

While the investigation indicated that the accused possessed a Math/Science background qualifying him for the RET post, the court clarified that eligibility alone does not address the allegations related to document authenticity and procedural violations.

The order underscores that the investigation did not adequately probe contradictions in official records, including discrepancies in migration certificates, electoral records, and departmental documentation.

The magistrate emphasized the need for a thorough and professional investigation, noting that the truth in such matters can only emerge through detailed examination of records and statements from all relevant officials.

The case highlights broader concerns around document verification and recruitment processes in government-backed education schemes, particularly in rural areas.

The matter remains legally significant as the court’s observations effectively question the integrity and completeness of the police probe, leaving key allegations unresolved. [KNT]