Srinagar, June 25th: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against two retired public servants in connection with the alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of government store material worth ₹2.13 crore in the then PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora.
The chargesheet has been filed against Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, the then Senior Assistant/Storekeeper, and Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, the then In-charge Executive Engineer, for offences under the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
According to the ACB, the case originated from source information alleging large-scale embezzlement of government store material procured by the PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora, during the financial year 2011-12. An open verification by the then Vigilance Organization Kashmir reportedly revealed shortages in store material, leading to the registration of the case and a detailed investigation.
The investigation allegedly found that the accused, while entrusted with the custody and supervision of government stores, entered into a criminal conspiracy and misappropriated substantial quantities of GI pipes, Union GI pipes, QCC pipes and TOR steel (TMT bars). While the initial verification assessed the loss at ₹65.11 lakh, the investigation later established the total loss to the government at ₹2,13,16,362, the ACB said.
The agency further alleged that Bashir Ahmad Sheikh continued to function as Storekeeper and retained control of the divisional stores even after his retirement with the knowledge and permission of Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, who allegedly failed to ensure proper supervision and mandatory verification of the stores. The investigation also pointed to serious violations of the Jammu and Kashmir Financial Code governing government stores.
The ACB said the accused were produced before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, who admitted them to bail upon furnishing personal bonds. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 5, 2026.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau reiterated its commitment to taking stringent action against corruption, embezzlement and the misuse of public funds and assets.
