Jammu, November 3: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted a major coordinated search operation at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir in connection with alleged irregularities in government tenders, public works projects and suspected financial misconduct.
Several CBI teams reportedly carried out simultaneous searches at government offices and other locations, including Nowshera in Rajouri district, Jammu and other parts of the Union Territory. The operation is understood to be focused on alleged irregularities involving the Public Works Department (PWD), the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the Mining Department.
One of the key locations searched was the PWD Division Office in Nowshera. Searches were also reportedly conducted at offices associated with various Chief Engineers and other officials linked to public infrastructure projects. According to sources, five separate CBI teams arrived from Delhi and carried out coordinated searches as part of the investigation.
The investigation is reportedly examining suspected irregularities in the allocation of government contracts, tendering procedures, execution of development works and utilisation of public funds. Sources indicated that investigators recovered material during the searches that may be relevant to the ongoing probe. The nature and significance of the seized material have not been officially disclosed.
Previous ACB Action and CBI Investigation
The latest CBI operation follows an earlier action by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) at the PWD Division Office in Nowshera, where evidence was reportedly collected during an investigation into alleged irregularities.
Sources claim that material gathered during the ACB proceedings was subsequently shared with the CBI for further examination. The latest searches are understood to be part of a wider effort to establish the facts surrounding the alleged financial and administrative irregularities.
However, the allegations remain under investigation, and the involvement or responsibility of any particular official will need to be established through evidence and the legal process.
Nowshera Development Projects Under Investigation
Several government-funded infrastructure projects in the Nowshera area have reportedly come under scrutiny over questions concerning tendering, project execution, cost assessments and the utilisation of public money.
Among the projects being examined are:
1. Nowshera Tunnel to Nowshera Bridge Road
The approximately 1.8-kilometre road stretch, inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a few months ago, reportedly involved expenditure of around ₹8.75 crore from the government treasury. Questions have reportedly been raised regarding the project’s cost and execution, which are expected to be examined as part of the investigation.
2. Kateeda-Jagir Bridge
The bridge project has also attracted scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the tendering process and execution of the work. Investigators are expected to examine relevant records to determine whether established procedures were followed.
3. PMGSY Road in Kangri Block
Allegations have also surfaced concerning changes in the survey alignment of a PMGSY road in Kangri Block. Reports suggest that the alignment was altered overnight, raising questions about the process followed and the transparency of the decision-making.
4. Nowshera Dak Bungalow
The utilisation of funds sanctioned for development and renovation works at the Nowshera Dak Bungalow is also reportedly under scrutiny amid allegations of financial irregularities. The investigation is expected to examine expenditure records, work orders and the execution of the sanctioned works.
Senior PWD and PMGSY Officials Under Scanner
The investigation is also expected to examine the administrative and technical responsibilities of officials associated with the PWD and PMGSY, including senior officers and Chief Engineers, wherever relevant evidence establishes their role or responsibility.
Investigators may examine tender documents, financial records, project approvals, technical assessments and other official correspondence to determine whether government procedures were followed during the sanctioning and execution of the projects.
Mining Department Also Under CBI Scanner
Apart from public works projects, offices linked to the Mining Department were also reportedly searched as part of the wider operation.
The agency is understood to be examining alleged violations, financial irregularities and possible misconduct connected with the department. The searches are aimed at collecting relevant records and evidence that could help investigators establish the nature and extent of the alleged irregularities.
The coordinated searches across Jammu and Kashmir have brought several government departments and infrastructure-related projects under scrutiny. The investigation is expected to focus on establishing whether public funds were misused, tendering procedures were compromised or any officials or other individuals were involved in wrongdoing.
Further details regarding the searches, recoveries and possible action against those found responsible are awaited. No conclusion about the guilt of any individual or official can be drawn until the investigation is completed and the allegations are established through due legal process.
