Crime Branch Kashmir Registers Case Over Fake NHM Selection List

SRINAGAR: The Crime Branch Kashmir (Economic Offences Wing) has registered a formal case against five individuals accused of circulating a forged recruitment order under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The case was initiated following a communication from the State Nodal Officer, NHM Jammu Kashmir, who reported that a fake order, purportedly issued by the Mission Director, was being shared widely on social media. The fraudulent document, titled *“Provisional Selection List of Candidates for Different Posts (Kashmir Division) against Notification No. SHS/NHM/J&K/HR/10259 dated 10.05.2021”*, allegedly misled aspiring candidates and created confusion among the public.

According to investigators, the accused exploited the approval granted to an NGO, J&K Health Care Services, during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide voluntary manpower in various medical blocks across Kashmir. Instead of restricting themselves to voluntary service, the management of the NGO allegedly hatched a conspiracy, collecting documents and money from volunteers under the pretext of securing them permanent jobs under NHM. They are accused of preparing a fake selection list and forging the signature of the Mission Director.

The accused have been identified as: Abdul Qayoom Naik, son of Abdul Aziz Naik, resident of Check Feroz Pora, Tangmarg; Abdul Qayoom Khan, son of Gull Mohammad Khan, resident of Harwan, at present Ompora, Budgam; Mohammad Ashraf Hurrah, son of Ghulam Nabi Hurrah, resident of Saria Bala, Srinagar; Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi, son of Mohammad Sultan Sofi, resident of Shadipora, Sumbal, Bandipora; Hilal Ahmad Bahar, son of Mohammad Sidiq Bahar, resident of Shadipora, Sumbal, Bandipora

Officials said their actions prima facie constitute offences under sections 420, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code, along with Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act. The Crime Branch has taken cognisance, and a formal case has been registered at Police Station Economic Offences Wing, Srinagar.