J&K ACB Detains Three Engineers for Unauthorized Building Permissions

Srinagar, April 19 (NationPress) The J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) apprehended three engineers on Saturday after registering FIRs regarding the dredging in Hokarsar Wetland and illegitimate building permits issued by the Lakes & Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA).

Officials reported that two distinct cases have been opened in Srinagar, with the three officials—including two Executive Engineers and the former AEE of the Flood Spill Channel Division of Narbal—being taken in for interrogation.

During a press briefing, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) ACB, Javaid Hassan Bhat, stated that the ACB police station in Srinagar registered an FIR yesterday after a joint surprise check (JSC No. 17/2020) was conducted to investigate the allegations of misconduct and irregularities during the dredging of Hokarsar Wetland.

“The investigation revealed significant lapses on the part of public officials and the private contractor firm, M/S Reach Dredging Limited. The findings indicated that tenders were issued under NIT No.01 of 2018-19 dated July 7, 2018, for the construction of a channel across Hokarsar Wetland,” he explained.

He further elaborated that the contract was awarded to M/S REACH Dredging Ltd. for Rs. 2055.565 lakh by the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control, Kashmir, with the stipulation that no materials were to be dumped within the boundary of Hokarsar Wetland.

“Despite significant work being done based on modified parameters through a Letter of Intent (LOI), the project was awarded based on the original quoted quantities and costs, lacking clarity on dumping locations or the disposal of excavated materials,” he added.

The investigation also uncovered that substantial variations in transportation leads (ranging from 8 km to 18 km) were aggregated, leading to undue payments for transporting excavated materials, most of which allegedly were not disposed of according to the NIT.

“Manipulating the work specifications and quantities resulted in a financial loss of approximately Rs. 2.29 crores to the State Exchequer, excluding royalty and minor mineral costs, and further ecological damage to the wetland,” he stated.

The SSP noted that public servants—Siraj-Ud-Din Shah and Ghulam Ahmad Beigh, the then Executive Engineers of the Flood Spill Channel Division of Narbal, and Irfan Ahmad Reshi, the former AEE—colluded with M/S Reach Dredging Limited, resulting in significant losses to the State Exchequer and undermining the purpose of the dredging.

“Based on these revelations, FIR No. 07/2025 has been registered under sections 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120-B/RPC, with investigations underway,” he mentioned, adding that the three engineers are currently in custody and their further remand is being sought.

Regarding the second case, the SSP explained that it involves the illegal building permissions granted by the former Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA).

The ACB Srinagar has initiated legal actions following a verification (SLK-12/2017) triggered by a complaint from the Intizamia Committee of Masjid Shareef, located in Gagribal Boulevard.

The complaint alleged that Iftikhar Sadiq, son of Rafiq Sadiq, a resident of Gagribal, was engaging in illegal construction activities, erecting multi-storey hostel buildings on approximately 12 kanals of custodian land at Gagribal, Srinagar. The verification exposed a criminal conspiracy involving officials from LAWDA, the Town Planning Organization, and the Custodian Department.

“It was discovered that Iftikhar Sadiq was granted permission to build five hostel structures in violation of the J&K Building By-Laws of 2011, particularly concerning the minimum land requirement of 3 kanals per hostel accommodating 50 students. Although initial permissions (NOCs) were granted for only three structures, subsequent permissions for two additional buildings were issued in blatant disregard for regulations. The constructions deviated significantly from the approved plans, resembling resorts rather than hostels,” he stated.

The SSP remarked that the case underscores the abuse of official positions by multiple officials, including those from LAWDA and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department, who allegedly collaborated with Iftikhar Sadiq for personal financial benefits. Following these findings, a case under FIR number 08/2025 has been filed at Police Station ACB Srinagar, and further investigations are ongoing.

When questioned about delays in the cases, the SSP attributed it to the late complaints and the procedural steps being followed to gather details.

“While collecting information from the departments, we are informed that records were destroyed in the 2014 floods,” concluded the SSP.