Srinagar, Jun 25 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against two retired engineers of the PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora, for alleged embezzlement of government store material worth over ₹2.13 crore, officials said on Thursday.
In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) the agency said, the chargesheet was filed before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, against Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, then Senior Assistant/Storekeeper, and Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, then In-charge Executive Engineer, for offences under the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust.
The case originated from a source information alleging large-scale embezzlement of store material procured during 2011-12, following which an open verification by the then Vigilance Organization Kashmir revealed shortages. ACB said while initial losses were pegged at ₹65.11 lakh, a detailed investigation established the actual loss at ₹2,13,16,362.
The probe found that Sheikh continued to function as storekeeper even after his retirement with the knowledge of Mir, who also failed to ensure mandatory verification of stores. Physical verification and record reconciliation confirmed substantial shortages of GI Pipes, QCC Pipes and TOR Steel, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.
Both accused were produced before the court and granted bail on personal bonds. The next hearing is scheduled for September 5, 2026.
The ACB reiterated its commitment to stern action against corruption and misuse of public funds. (KNS)
