ACB files 4th chargesheet against former EO MC Sumbal, 3 others in DA case

Srinagar, Mar 12: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed the fourth chargesheet against former Executive Officer of Municipal Committees Sumbal, Hajin and Bandipora, Abdul Rashid Shah, along with three others in a disproportionate assets case before the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Baramulla.

“A complaint was received by ACB from one Mohd Yosuf resident of Sumbal Bandipora alleging multiple instances of corruption, possession of disproportionate assets and illegal/fraudulent appointments in Municipal Committees Bandipora, Hajin and Sumbal by accused Abdul Rashid Shah and his nephew Javid Ahmad Shah,” the ACB said in a statement issued to Kashmir Dot Com (KDC).

“On receipt of the complaint and other information, a secret verification was conducted which resulted in the registration of four different cases against accused Abdul Rashid Shah including three cases related to illegal/fraudulent appointments in MC Sumbal, Hajin and Bandipora. Two separate cases were also registered against his nephew Javid Ahmad Shah, the then Junior Assistant in NC Bandipora, pertaining to fraudulent mutation and a disproportionate assets FIR,” it added.

“Investigations in all three cases related to illegal appointments have already been finalized and charge sheets were filed against Abdul Rashid Shah and others before the competent court of law,” the statement further said.

“During investigation of the instant DA case FIR No. 09/2013, it was found that the accused public servant, by indulging in corrupt practices, had raised assets and incurred expenditures beyond his known sources of income during the check period, which he failed to satisfactorily account for.”

“These include construction of a double-storied house and additional accommodation at village Papchan Bandipora, purchase of land measuring 1 kanal 4 marlas at Papchan, purchase of a double-storied house at Gazaliabad HMT Srinagar, purchase of a triple-storied shopping complex at Bandipora and acquisition of multiple parcels of land at Papchan, Takiyabal and Papchan Road in Bandipora district.”

“The accused also purchased land measuring 1 kanal 7 marlas at Iqbal Colony Sidhra Jammu and several other plots at Sidhra bypass Jammu in the name of his wife Afroza Begum,” the statement said.

“Investigations further revealed the purchase of an A-Star Maruti car and possession of various expensive movable items during house searches including electronic appliances, furniture, clothing items, pashmina shawls, computer equipment and other household assets.”

“Financial records also indicated balances in accounts maintained in J&K Bank Branch Bandipora, J&K Grameen Bank branches at Bandipora and Nadihal, and Punjab National Bank Srinagar. Expenditures were also traced on purchase of gold ornaments, renovation of residential houses, education of children and other verifiable expenses including fixed deposits.”

“On culmination of the investigation, the charge sheet has been presented against accused Peerzada Abdul Rashid Shah S/o Noor-ud-Din Shah R/o Papchan Bandipora, the then Executive Officer MC Sumbal, Hajin and Bandipora, for commission of offences punishable under Section 5(1)(e) read with Section 5(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, Sections 12/14 of the Public Men and Public Servants (Declaration of Assets and Other Provisions) Act, 1983 read with Section 109 of the Ranbir Penal Code.”

“The co-accused persons include Afroza Bano W/o Abdul Rashid Shah R/o Papchan Bandipora, Saif Ud Din Baba S/o Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Baba R/o Doniwari Kupwara, and Sameer Ahsan Shah S/o Mohammad Ahsan Shah R/o Ward No. 09 Papchan Bandipora, who have been charged for offences punishable under Section 109 RPC.”

“The next date of hearing in the case has been fixed for April 28, 2026,” the statement added.