ACB Files Chargesheet Against Former EO, Three Others | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has presented a chargesheet against former Executive Officer of Municipal Committee Sumbal, Abdul Rashid Shah, and three others in a disproportionate assets (DA) case, officials said on Thursday.

In a statement issued, the chargesheet was filed before the court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Baramulla in case FIR No. 09/2013, marking the fourth such legal action against the accused officer.

According to an ACB spokesperson, the case originated from a complaint received against Shah, alleging large-scale corruption, illegal appointments in multiple municipal committees, and accumulation of assets beyond known sources of income.

The investigation revealed that Shah had acquired substantial movable and immovable properties during the check period, which he could not satisfactorily account for.

Properties allegedly owned by Shah include a double-storey house at Papchan Bandipora, a shopping complex at Bandipora, and another double-storey house at Gaziabad HMT Srinagar. He also purchased multiple land parcels across Bandipora and Jammu, with several plots registered in the name of his wife Afrooza Begum at Sidhra Bypass Jammu.

During searches, the ACB recovered an A-Star Maruti car, expensive electronics including Sony camera and handicam, LG appliances, Pashmina shawls, and gold ornaments purchased from Srinagar-based jewellers.

Bank balances in multiple accounts maintained at JK Bank, Grameen Bank and PNB, along with expenditures on renovation, children’s education and fixed deposits, were also found to be disproportionate to his known income.

The chargesheet has been filed against Shah for offences under the JK Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Men and Public Servants Declaration of Assets Act. His wife Afrooza Begum, along with Saif Ud Din Baba and Sameer Ahsan Shah, have been booked as co-accused under Section 109 of the Ranbir Penal Code for abetment.

The court has fixed April 28, 2026 as the next date of hearing.

Notably, three separate cases pertaining to illegal appointments in Municipal Committees Sumbal, Hajin and Bandipora have already been chargesheeted against Shah, who served as Executive Officer in these committees during his tenure. (KNS)