J&K: EOW Chargesheets 108, Including 15 Executive Engineers, in Sumbal Power Scam

SRINAGAR, Jan 2: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch has filed a charge-sheet against 108 persons, including 15 Executive Engineers, for their alleged involvement in large-scale embezzlement of government funds and illegal appointments in the Electric Division, Sumbal, Bandipora.

Officials said the charge-sheet in connection with a 2018 FIR was submitted before the Court of the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, under Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Apart from the Executive Engineers, those chargesheeted include six Assistant Accounts Officers, one Accounts Assistant, six Head Assistants, four Senior Assistants—among them the alleged kingpin Mushtaq Ahmad Malik of Aragam, Bandipora—four Junior Assistants and an orderly, all posted in Electric Division Sumbal.

The charge-sheet also names 25 officers and officials of J&K Bank, Branch Sumbal Sonawari, and 46 fake employees who were allegedly appointed illegally.

According to EOW, the case was registered after credible information revealed that the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), in connivance with departmental officials and bank personnel, fraudulently withdrew crores of rupees from government accounts and facilitated illegal appointments.

Investigations established large-scale diversion of government funds. During the probe, crores of rupees were recovered from the alleged kingpin Mushtaq Malik and deposited into the government treasury. It also emerged that substantial amounts had been transferred to multiple bank accounts of the accused, including savings and term deposit accounts, along with accrued interest.

Officials said the government accorded sanction for prosecution against the accused, following which the charge-sheet was filed before the competent court for judicial adjudication. (Agencies)