Abrar Matoo
Jammu, Mar 13: In a recent strike at graft , the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Jammu, has attached the properties worth crores belonging to Rakesh Kumar Pargal, the then Chief Supervisor, FCI Go-down, Udhampur & former In-charge, Vigilance Squad in Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. This is in addition to the earlier attachment of the property belonging to Pargal at Udhampur, Jammu, Namely, Dogri Haveli.
In an official statement issued by the Anti-Corruption Bureau regarding the newest development in Rakesh Kumar Pargal’s Case, it was mentioned that the ACB has yet again attached the palatial residence and banquet hall, situated at Udhampur, worth crores belonging to Rakesh Kumar Pargal.
“By indulging in corrupt and illegal practices, Rakesh Kumar Pargal has amassed huge assets worth crores of rupees in the form of immovable/moveable properties disproportionate to his known sources of income. During the preliminary inquiry, it was found that the official has raised assets several times higher than the genuine income (salary) earned by the official from the service period,” the statement issued by ACB read.
During an inquiry, the ACB had earlier unearthed scandalous discrepancies In Rakesh Kumar’s case, wherein it surfaced that Rakesh Kumar Pargal has amassed huge assets worth crores of rupees in his own name and in the name of his family members. Accordingly, Case FIR No. 01/2020 in PS ACB Udhampur had been registered against the involved person. After registration of FIR, searches were conducted during which 285 gms gold, incriminating material, documents were seized. Some accounts/lockers were also freezed after being found suspicious. Rakesh Kumar Pargal is also involved in Case FIR No. 01/2020 in PS ACB Doda regarding misappropriation of Rs.260 Crores on account of the cost of wheat grains, transportation charges, labor charges, grinding charges drawn on the basis of fictitious and false bills. He was also arrested by ACB in this case.
“After the registration of a formal case under Anti-Corruption Law and his suspension from Govt. service w.e.f 26-06-2009 to 19-09-2012 he was posted/ appointed again in the Enforcement squad and Vigilance squad in CAPD Department,” the ACB statement said while pointing towards a deep nexus between Rakesh Kumar Pargal and other accused officials and private persons.
It is pertinent to mention here that Rakesh Kumar was initially appointed as a daily wager in September 1984 in TSO office Chenani and remained posted in AD office Udhampur, Chief Supervisor (FCS&CA) Deptt) FCI Godown Udhampur. Time and again, Rakesh Kumar has been found involved in perverse and dishonest behavior. Yet, in all the other cases where he remains under trail, he has not been indicted in the court of law. It brings into question, the commitment of the competent authorities and the judiciary towards the eradication of corruption in J&K.
However, It now remains to be seen whether this time, ACB would be able to nail Rakesh Kumar Pargal on a cross of justice.
