Srinagar , June 25:The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against two retired officials of the erstwhile PHE (Hydraulic) Division, Bandipora, in connection with the alleged embezzlement of government store material valued at over ₹2.13 crore.
The chargesheet was submitted before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Baramulla, against Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, who served as Senior Assistant/Storekeeper, and Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, the then In-charge Executive Engineer of the division.
According to the ACB, the investigation began after credible inputs suggested irregularities in the handling of government store material purchased during the 2011-12 financial year. A preliminary verification reportedly uncovered major discrepancies in the stock records, leading to the registration of a formal case and a detailed investigation.
During the probe, officials found shortages of various government-owned materials, including GI pipes, union GI pipes, QCC pipes, and TMT steel bars. While the initial assessment estimated the financial loss at around ₹65 lakh, the final investigation placed the total loss to the government exchequer at ₹2,13,16,362.
The investigation further alleged that Bashir Ahmad Sheikh continued to exercise control over the divisional stores even after his retirement, while Mukhtar Ahmad Mir failed to ensure proper supervision, stock verification, and compliance with financial regulations governing government stores.
The ACB stated that the inquiry established significant shortages through physical verification and record reconciliation, indicating alleged misappropriation of public property. The agency has accused both officials of abusing their official positions and acting in criminal conspiracy, causing substantial financial loss to the State.
The chargesheet has been filed under relevant provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) relating to criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy.
Both accused appeared before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, and were granted bail after furnishing personal bonds. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 5, 2026.
The ACB reiterated that it remains committed to taking strict legal action against corruption, financial irregularities, and the misuse of public resources to ensure transparency and accountability in government institutions.
