The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a charge-sheet against two retired officials of the erstwhile PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora, in connection with the alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of government store material worth ₹2.13 crore.
According to officials, the charge-sheet was submitted before the Court of the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, then Senior Assistant/Storekeeper, and Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, then In-charge Executive Engineer of the division.
The accused have been booked under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, along with Sections 409 and 120-B of the RPC for criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy.
The case originated from allegations of large-scale irregularities in government stores during the financial year 2011–12. An initial verification by the then Vigilance Organization Kashmir revealed shortages, which led to a detailed investigation.
The probe found that significant quantities of materials including GI pipes, QCC pipes, and TMT steel bars were misappropriated. While the initial loss was estimated at ₹65.11 lakh, the final investigation pegged the total loss to the exchequer at ₹2,13,16,362.
Investigators also found that one of the accused continued handling store responsibilities even after retirement, allegedly with administrative approval. The inquiry further highlighted violations of financial rules, including failure to conduct mandatory stock verification and supervision lapses.
Both accused were produced before the court and granted bail after furnishing personal bonds. The next hearing is scheduled for September 5, 2026.
The ACB reiterated its commitment to transparency and strict action against corruption and misuse of public funds across Jammu and Kashmir.
