Did J&K Police's Crime Branch File a Charge Sheet in Major Municipal Fraud in Budgam?
Synopsis
In a significant twist in the Budgam Municipal Committee fraud case, the Crime Branch of J&K Police has filed a charge sheet against three accused individuals, including a former president. The allegations of embezzlement and forgery highlight serious issues of corruption within local governance.
Key Takeaways
Significant Fraud: Major allegations of embezzlement involving the Municipal Committee of Budgam.
Three Accused: Includes a former president and two local residents.
Legal Action: Charge sheet filed under multiple sections of law.
Corruption Highlighted: The investigation reveals systemic issues within local governance.
Public Trust: Emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability.
Srinagar, Dec 16 (NationPress) On Tuesday, the Crime Branch of J&K Police announced that it has lodged a formal charge sheet in connection with a significant fraud involving the Municipal Committee in Budgam district.
A spokesperson for the Crime Branch stated that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir has submitted the charge sheet to the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption in Srinagar, related to FIR No. 03/2022, which includes grave allegations of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and abuse of official position.
“The charge sheet has been filed under Sections 420, 468, and 120-B of the RPC, along with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act against three individuals. The accused include Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Dar, the former President of the Municipal Committee Budgam, son of Gh. Qadir, a resident of Khan Pora, Budgam; Gh. Mohammad Mir, son of Ali Mohd Mir, also of Budgam; and Abdul Majid Bhat, son of Mohd Akbar Bhat, a Budgam resident,” the spokesperson elaborated.
This case arose from a complaint highlighting extensive embezzlement and the illicit allocation of a government-owned municipal property belonging to the Municipal Committee of Budgam. Investigations revealed that the then-President of the Municipal Committee Budgam misused his official capacity to grant undue benefits to the accused Gh. Mohammad Mir.
“The allotment order, which was supposedly issued based on a resolution from the Municipal Committee and approval from the Director Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, was found to be forged and non-existent. The investigation confirmed that the accused formed a criminal conspiracy to produce fake documents, including a forged allotment order, devoid of any legitimate authority or approval,” the spokesperson stated.
All three accused were interrogated during the investigation and acknowledged their involvement in the creation of the partnership deed, dissolution deed, and the issuance of the counterfeit allotment order.
“With solid oral and documentary evidence gathered throughout the investigation, offenses under Sections 120-B, 420, and 468 RPC have been substantiated against all accused. Additionally, the former President of MC Budgam has been charged under Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for abusing his official position. Consequently, the charge sheet has been filed for judicial review,” concluded the spokesperson.
Point of View
I believe that this case underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in local governance. The allegations of embezzlement and corruption must be treated with the utmost seriousness to restore public trust in our institutions.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main allegation in the Budgam fraud case?
The main allegation is large-scale embezzlement and illegal allotment of government property, involving serious charges of cheating, forgery, and abuse of official position.
Who are the accused in the charge sheet?
The accused include Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Dar, the former President of the Municipal Committee Budgam, Gh. Mohammad Mir, and Abdul Majid Bhat, all residents of Budgam.
What sections of law have been invoked in the charge sheet?
The charge sheet has been filed under Sections 420, 468, and 120-B of the RPC, along with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
What steps were taken during the investigation?
The investigation involved interrogating the accused, gathering substantial oral and documentary evidence, and verifying the authenticity of the allotment order.
What does this case signify for local governance?
This case highlights serious issues of corruption within local governance and the importance of accountability in public service to maintain public trust.
