Crime Branch Kashmir files chargesheet in PDD fake appointment case

Srinagar: The Economic Offences Wing of Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in a case concerning an alleged fake appointment in the Power Development Department.

According to a statement issued by Crime Branch Kashmir, the chargesheet in FIR No. 46/2023 has been laid before the Anti-Corruption Court Baramulla against Nasir Ahmad Mir of Kunan Babagund Bandipora, Mushtaq Ahmad Malik of Aragam Bandipora, a government employee in KPDCL, and a deceased former Executive Engineer of KPDCL ED Sumbal, a resident of Jammu.

The case originated from a written complaint alleging unauthorised appointments in the department. Investigation revealed that Nasir Ahmad Mir had secured employment on the basis of a fabricated appointment order purportedly issued under SRO-43 of 1994. The document was not traceable in official records.

The statement said further enquiry established that Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, then a Senior Assistant, had prepared a forged service book for Mir, reflecting appointment under SRO-43. Forensic examination confirmed that the entries were authored and signed by Malik. No official dispatch or receipt record was found to substantiate issuance of the purported appointment order.

Crime Branch Kashmir said verification by the then Tehsildar Bandipora confirmed that Mir did not meet eligibility criteria under SRO-43, as no qualifying family circumstances existed. Despite this, the deceased Executive Engineer authorised salary disbursement in 2009 without due verification, more than three years after the claimed date of appointment.

The investigation has established offences relating to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy under Sections 420, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC, along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the public servants involved, the statement said.

The chargesheet has been submitted before the competent court for judicial adjudication, it added.