Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has produced a chargesheet in connection with FIR No. 04/2019 under sections 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, and section 120-B of the RPC before the Court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Srinagar. The chargesheet names 14 accused, including 11 officers of the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC), one Revenue official, and two private beneficiaries, in connection with abuse of official position, criminal conspiracy, and conferring undue benefit to private individuals.
The case was registered following allegations that SMC officers, in collusion with Revenue authorities, facilitated illegal construction on State land at Barthana, Qamarwari (Khasra No. 90). The building permission was fraudulently issued in the name of the late Ghulam Qadir Sofi (who passed away in 2008), but was misused by his son, Mohammad Arif Sofi, to construct a commercial building in violation of approved drawings. He also manipulated revenue records to encroach on adjoining State land, allegedly with active support from the accused public servants.
Investigation by ACB Srinagar, based on oral and documentary evidence, has substantiated the charges against the accused, proving the conspiracy between the government officials and the private beneficiary beyond doubt.
Following government sanction for the prosecution of public servants, the chargesheet against 12 public officials and two private beneficiaries was submitted for judicial determination. The next hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2025. (Agencies)
