The Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against seven accused — including a former Block Development Officer (BDO) and an Executive Engineer — in connection with the embezzlement of government funds earmarked for developmental works in Block Lolab/Lalpora, District Kupwara. The chargesheet was filed in FIR No. 02/2020 of Police Station ACB Baramulla, with the next date of hearing fixed for 25 August 2026.

Origins of the Case

The case traces back to a complaint alleging large-scale irregularities in developmental works executed through the Rural Development Department in Block Lolab, Kupwara. A verification exercise conducted by the then Vigilance Organisation Kashmir — now reconstituted as the Anti-Corruption Bureau — uncovered serious lapses in two specific projects: the 'Construction of Sarband at Margi Diver (Kariwan) Phase-I' and the 'Construction of Fisheries Pond at Diver-B.'

Investigators found evidence of false measurements, billing for non-existent work components, execution of works on forest land without requisite permissions, and release of payments against deficient and substandard works. Fictitious entries relating to the felling of trees were also reportedly incorporated into official records to inflate bills and secure undue financial benefits.

Key Findings of the Investigation

The investigation, conducted after registration of FIR No. 02/2020, established that the accused public servants acted in criminal conspiracy with a beneficiary contractor. According to the ACB, they abused their official positions to facilitate fraudulent execution of works, preparation of false records, inflation of measurements, and unauthorised release of government funds.

The probe found that the government exchequer suffered losses on account of payments made for non-existent works, excess measurements, substandard execution, and fraudulent claims — though the ACB statement did not specify the total quantum of financial loss.

Who Has Been Chargesheeted

Upon receipt of prosecution sanction from the competent authority for the in-service accused, the ACB filed the chargesheet against the following seven individuals:

Mohd. Sultan Bhat, then Block Development Officer, Sogam/Lalpora; Er. Surinder Kumar Sharma, then Executive Engineer, REW Division Kupwara; Mohd. Shafi Bukhari, then Assistant Executive Engineer, REW Kupwara; Taimur Ahmad Khan, then Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora; Nisar Ahmad Khan, then Junior Engineer, REW Lalpora; Mohd. Saleem Dar, then Village Level Worker/Secretary Panchayat; and Waseem Mehmood Khan, the beneficiary contractor.

All seven accused were produced before the court and were admitted to bail upon furnishing personal bonds to the satisfaction of the court.

Charges and Legal Provisions

The accused have been chargesheeted for offences punishable under Section 5(1)(c) read with Section 5(1)(d) and Section 5(2) of the Jammu & Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, along with other relevant provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The charges encompass corruption, criminal conspiracy, forgery, and embezzlement of public funds.

ACB's Position

The ACB stated that it 'remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting thorough, impartial and expeditious investigations into corruption cases and ensuring that all those responsible for corruption and misuse of public resources are brought to justice in accordance with law.' The court has fixed 25 August 2026 as the next date of hearing, and the case will now enter the trial phase.