The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch on Thursday, 1 October 2026, filed a chargesheet in a case involving the forged signature of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir — an act that investigators say was designed to unlawfully manipulate the functioning of a district police administration. The case marks a significant step in J&K law enforcement's effort to counter impersonation of senior constitutional authorities.

What the Chargesheet Alleges

The chargesheet was filed before the Court of Sub-Judge, Srinagar, in FIR No. 29/2026, under Sections 204, 319(2), 336(2), and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused, Saqlain Mushtaq Dar, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, a resident of Deeri, Pulwama, has been charged in connection with a fabricated official communication.

According to the EOW's statement, the forged letter was purportedly addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Anantnag. The accused allegedly impersonated the Lieutenant Governor, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, using a counterfeit official letterhead and a forged signature. The communication, investigators say, was crafted with the intent to illegally influence the Anantnag District Police Administration.

Investigation Concluded as 'Proved'

Following its probe, the EOW said the allegations were substantiated by evidence collected during the investigation. The investigation has accordingly been concluded with a finding of 'proved', and the chargesheet has been presented before the court for judicial determination. The case now moves to the judicial phase, where a trial is expected to proceed.

Public Advisory Issued

Alongside the chargesheet filing, the Crime Branch issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against attempts involving the impersonation of public authorities, the fabrication of official letterheads, and the use of forged government signatures. Officials urged members of the public to verify the authenticity of any suspicious communication purportedly issued by government bodies.

Those with information or complaints may contact SSP EOW Srinagar, Abdul Waheed Shah, or reach the wing through its official email: sspeow-kmr@jkpolice.gov.in. The EOW specialises in high-profile economic offences that require dedicated investigative resources and technological support — cases that, according to the wing, fall outside the capacity of territorial police engaged in routine law-and-order duties.

Broader Context

This is not an isolated incident in the broader landscape of document fraud in the region. Cases involving forged government communications have periodically surfaced across Jammu and Kashmir, often aimed at extracting administrative favours or influencing official proceedings. This case, however, stands out for the seniority of the authority being impersonated — the Lieutenant Governor, the highest constitutional executive in a Union Territory. The use of fabricated LG-level correspondence to pressure a district police chief underscores the potential for such forgeries to disrupt administrative order at a sensitive level. The matter is now before the judiciary, and further hearings will determine the quantum of accountability.