Illegal Appointment Case: Vigilance Raids Executive Officer’s Houses, Municipal Offices

Bandipora, June 1, KNT: The State Vigilance Organization on Saturday conducted raids at the residences of an Executive Officer posted with Sumbal, Hajin, and Bandipora municipalities in connection with alleged illegal appointments and disproportionate assets.

Official sources said Vigilance sleuths searched two houses linked to the officer, identified as Abdul Rashid Shah, located at Papachhan in Bandipora and Gazaliabad HMT. During the searches, documents and records related to appointments and assets were seized for scrutiny. Officials indicated that another property in Srinagar is also likely to be searched as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Organization, confirmed the raids and told KNT that the agency is ascertaining the Executive Officer’s total assets. He stated that financial details and related documents are being examined to determine whether assets were acquired through unlawful means.

The Vigilance Organization also raided offices of the three municipalities where the officer was posted and seized official records pertaining to alleged irregular appointments. Preliminary findings suggest that several appointments were made in violation of norms.

Sources said a number of appointees were unable to draw salaries due to shortage of funds, which triggered complaints and brought the matter to the attention of authorities. A senior Vigilance official said the agency is verifying records to establish the extent of irregularities and identify those responsible.

The investigation is underway and further action is expected following completion of the asset evaluation and scrutiny of seized documents. [KNT]