Investigation reveals misappropriation of Rs 5.73 lakh, illegal contract awards
Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 43/2018 before the Court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Baramulla against seven individuals for offenses under Sections 420, 120-B of the RPC, read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act.
The case originated from a written complaint alleging the misappropriation of funds allocated for the construction of a school building in village Hampora Kralgund under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Scheme. The sanctioned project included the construction of a school building, along with a kitchen, toilet, and ramp, the EOW said in a statement issued here.
During investigation, it was revealed that although Rs 5,73,592 had been disbursed through multiple cheques by the then ZEO Langate, primarily routed through the primary school’s first teacher, the approved works were not carried out as per norms. The site only had the main school structure; the kitchen, toilet, and ramp had not been constructed despite the release of funds.
Further probing uncovered that the accused officials, in collusion with the contractor, conspired to commit fraud by illegally awarding the contract in violation of SSA guidelines. The construction was supposed to be executed through Village Education Committee (VEC) members, but the site plan was altered to benefit the accused, resulting in the construction of a double-storey structure with four rooms instead of the approved three-room school with a separate kitchen, toilet, and ramp.
Moreover, after the structure was completed, the contractor failed to hand over the building to the Education Department. The officials deliberately did not take possession, allowing another accused to occupy the building unlawfully.
Based on the evidence collected, it has been established that the accused persons committed offenses under relevant laws, and the case has been challaned before the appropriate court for judicial consideration.
The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir remains committed to fighting corruption and protecting public resources through stringent legal action.