Crime Branch Files Chargesheet in SSA School Funds Misappropriation Case in Kupwara | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of the Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against seven accused persons in connection with the alleged misappropriation of government funds meant for the construction of a school building in Kupwara district.

The chargesheet in FIR No. 43/2018 was presented before the Court of the Special Anti-Corruption Judge Baramulla for offences under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code read with Section 5(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act.

The case was registered following a written complaint alleging that funds sanctioned under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme for construction of a school building at Hampora village in Kralgund area were misused.

According to investigators, an amount of Rs 5,73,592 had been released through several cheques by the then Zonal Education Officer Langate, largely routed through the first teacher of Primary School Hampora. However, the work approved under the scheme was not executed as per norms.

The investigation found that only the structure of the school building was constructed at the site, while the kitchen block, toilet and ramp—also part of the sanctioned project—were not built despite the release of funds.

Crime Branch officials said the accused officials, in alleged connivance with a contractor, entered into a criminal conspiracy and awarded the construction work in violation of SSA guidelines, which require such works to be executed through members of the Village Education Committee (VEC).

The probe further revealed that the original project plan for a three-room school building with a separate kitchen, toilet and ramp was altered. Instead, a double-storey structure with four rooms was constructed.

Investigators also found that after completion of the structure, the contractor failed to hand over the building to the Education Department, while the concerned officials allegedly did not take possession, enabling another accused to illegally occupy the premises

Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, the Crime Branch said offences under the relevant provisions of law were established against the accused persons and the case has been forwarded to the competent court for judicial determination.

The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir said it remains committed to combating corruption and protecting public funds through strict legal action.