Jammu, Apr 20: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday secured conviction of five former storekeepers in a long-pending food grains misappropriation case of Pahalgam circle, while also filing a charge-sheet against the then BDO Kupwara and four others in a separate funds embezzlement case.

In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Anantnag Convicts 1. Abdul Khaliq Shah S/O Mohd Abdullah Shah R/O Ashmuqam the then Store Keeper Food supplies Sale Center Pahalgam and Laripora. (2) Gh Nabi Mir S/O Gh. Mohd Mir R/O Aishmuqam the then Store Keeper Food Supplies Sale Center Dawatoo and Aru. (3). Mohd Shafi Rather S/O Gh. Mohd R/O Devaroo Pahalgam the then store keeper Ashumwam. (4). Gh. Hassan Hajam S/O Gh. Ahmad R/O Kathsoo the then store Keeper Food supplies sale centre Katsoo and (5). Muzaffar Ahmad Bichoo S/O Gh. Mohd Bichoo R/O Malaknag Anantnag the then store keeper Food supplies Sale centre Laripora and Pahalgam in a misappropriation case.

He said, in a significant verdict reinforcing the commitment to combating corruption, the Hon’ble Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Anantnag, Ms Masarat Roohi convicted aforementioned accused persons, in a misappropriation case registered under FIR No. 09/1990 U/S 5(2) of J&K P.C. Act-2006 read with Sec. 409/RPC of P/S VOK (now ACB).

“The accused persons, then-serving in Food and Supplies Department Kashmir Pahalgam Circle as store keepers were found guilty under Sections U/S 5(2) of J&K P.C. Act-2006 read with Sec. 409/RPC, for misappropriation of Food grains/Empty Bags by these store keepers of Pahalgam Circle for the period w.e.f. 04/1989 to 11-09-1989,” said the spokesperson.

He said, following a complaint filed by Dy. Director Food and Supplies Department Srinagar vide No DFSK/Adm/SA-468 dated 02-11-1989 reporting therein about the embezzlement of Food Grains/Empty Bags to the tune of Rs 364235.84/- on the hands of aforementioned five accused persons, the aforementioned case was registered in P/S VOK (now ACB) on 07-06-1990.

“After thorough investigation, chargesheet was filed on September 09, 2003, and the case proceeded for judicial determination. On April 20, 2026, the Hon’ble Court after appreciating the evidence produced, delivered the judgment and convicted all the five accused persons Under Section 5(2) read with Sec. 409/RPC. The Hon’ble Court has listed the case for argument on quantum of punishment on 24.04.2026.”

The spokesperson said, this conviction marks another milestone in the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s ongoing efforts to uphold integrity and accountability in public service.

He added, in another case ACB Presents Charge-Sheet Against Then BDO Kupwara and Four Others in Misappropriation Case. The case originated from a complaint received through the ACB grievance portal on 19.07.2021 from one Fayaz Ahmad R/o Halmatpora, District Kupwara, alleging embezzlement of funds meant for execution of developmental works under the said schemes by officials of Block Kupwara. 

The spokesperson said, investigation conducted by ACB revealed that the accused public servants, namely Abdul Majeed Ganie (then BDO Kupwara), Bashir Ahmad Mir (then Junior Assistant), and Sajad Ahmad Dar (then MISO/GRS), in active connivance with private beneficiaries Zakir Hussain Pir and Gowher Yaqoob Khan, entered into a criminal conspiracy and fraudulently siphoned off Government funds by manipulating official records and fabricating electronic data.

“It was established that the accused persons generated and authenticated fraudulent Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs), thereby facilitating diversion of funds into unauthorized bank accounts, including those of relatives and associates.”

The spokesperson said, the investigation further uncovered instances of double drawal, fraudulent payments against non-existent works, and illegal routing of labour payments through job card holders, followed by misappropriation of the same. During the course of investigation, it also came to light that official records pertaining to the works under probe were deliberately destroyed or withheld, and crucial electronic evidence, including Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs), was not produced, indicating an attempt to screen the offence. 

He said, the accused persons, by abuse of their official positions, caused wrongful loss to the State exchequer to the tune of ₹4,86,170/- and corresponding unlawful gain to themselves and their associates. Based on the evidence collected, offences punishable under Section 5(1)(c) and 5(1)(d) read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006, along with Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, and 120-B RPC, have been established. 

“Accordingly, upon finalisation of investigation, the charge-sheet in Case FIR No. 11/2021 has been presented before the Hon’ble Court for judicial determination against three accused public servants and two private beneficiaries”.

Srinagar, Apr 20: Kashmir’s chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the Udhampur bus accident.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Udhampur bus accident. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured,” Mirwaiz posted on his X handle.

A passenger bus rolled down a hillside in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday, leaving 21 people dead and 29 others injured.

Srinagar, April 20: The proposed disruption in water supply across Srinagar, which was scheduled to begin from Tuesday, has been postponed, officials said on Monday.

Superintending Engineer PHE Anbreena Anjum said the decision to defer the shutdown was taken due to administrative reasons.

“Fresh dates will be announced shortly,” she said.

The disruption was earlier planned in view of repair works on the Sindh Power Canal, which supplies raw water to key treatment plants serving Srinagar and adjoining areas.

The postponement provides temporary relief to locals who were preparing for a 48-hour water shortage.

Authorities have advised people to stay updated through official communication channels for revised dates and further instructions.

Officials said the repair works will be rescheduled, and prior notice will be issued before any future disruption. [KNT]

Srinagar, April 20: Daily life and traffic movement in parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, were disrupted on Monday as transporters observed a strike against the proposed expansion of Smart City bus services to district routes.

The protest saw private transport operators, including bus, Sumo, and Tavera drivers, staying off the roads, while sit-ins were held at various bus stands across the Valley.

The agitation reflects growing concern within the transport community over the impact of the Smart City bus expansion on their livelihoods.

Protesting operators said the extension of government-backed bus services to district routes could threaten the income of thousands of families dependent on private transport.

They demanded that the government roll back the decision, citing uncertainty and potential loss of business for private operators.

While public transport services were affected due to the strike, private vehicles continued to ply normally, limiting the overall disruption in the city.

The situation remained largely peaceful, with protests confined to designated locations and no reports of major law and order issues. [KNT]

Srinagar, April 20: A major theft attempt was foiled by locals in the Saidpora area of Uri in Baramulla district on the intervening night between Sunday and Monday, resulting in the capture of two thieves, who were then handed over to the police.

As per reports, the two thieves, along with a vehicle, were caught red-handed and later handed over to Police Station Uri, where they were taken into custody.

The thieves were trying to pilfer electric wire near Saidpora Road. The accused have been identified as Ishtiyaq Ahmed Khan, son of Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, a resident of Dardkote, and Muneer Ahmed Dandroo, a resident of Srinagar.

A senior police officer confirmed the incident and said that a case has been registered in this regard and further investigation has been taken up.(GNS)