Crime Branch Registers Case in ₹27 Lakh COVID Procurement Fraud

Srinagar, Feb 26, KNT: The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has registered a formal case against two individuals for their alleged involvement in a large-scale fraud linked to procurement of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Union Territory.

Officials said the case was initiated following a written complaint alleging that the accused, residents of Peerbagh and Sanat Nagar areas of Srinagar, impersonated themselves as delegates of the J&K Ministry and OSD Supplies to defraud government departments and institutions.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly induced officials to transfer payments for medical goods into bank accounts fraudulently opened in the names of genuine suppliers. They are also accused of creating fake email IDs to misrepresent the identity of original suppliers and facilitate diversion of funds.

Preliminary verification conducted by the Economic Offences Wing revealed that the accused dishonestly obtained ₹27 lakh from a government office. Officials further said the accused had allegedly planned to fraudulently withdraw ₹2.24 crore from a government medical institution.

On the basis of prima facie evidence, offences under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the IPC, read with Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act, have been established. The Crime Branch has taken cognizance of the matter and further investigation is underway. [KNT]