Srinagar man convicted in Govt. Woollen Mills Misappropriation case; sentenced to six years in jail

Srinagar, June 23: The Hon’ble Court of City Judge (Judicial Magistrate 1st Class) has convicted Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat, resident of Bhagi Sunder Payeen, Chattabal, Srinagar, in case FIR No. 66/2003 under Sections 409, 420, and 468 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), registered at Police Station Crime Branch Kashmir.

The case originated from a written complaint submitted on behalf of the Secretary, J&K Industries Ltd., to the Crime Branch Kashmir, along with supporting documents. The complaint alleged that stock verification at the Government Woollen Mills, Bemina, Srinagar, had revealed several discrepancies, including short accountals, delayed ledgerisations, and unauthorized movement of materials from finishing stores to excise-paid godowns and various outlets on fake invoices through illegal channels during the period 1995–96 to 2001–2003, reads a press release issued to the Greater Kashmir.

The enquiry conducted into the matter pointed to the involvement of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat in the misappropriation of government property amounting to lakhs of rupees through deceitful means, thereby defrauding the state exchequer and securing wrongful gain. Subsequently, FIR No. 66/2003 was registered at Police Station Crime Branch Kashmir.

Upon completion of the investigation, a charge-sheet was presented before the court on 24.01.2008. Charges under Sections 409, 420, and 468 RPC were framed against the accused.

After hearing the case, the Hon’ble Court sentenced the accused to simple imprisonment for two years along with a fine of Rs. 5,000 under Section 409 RPC. Additionally, the court awarded two years of simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,000 under Section 420 RPC, and another two years of simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 5,000 under Section 468 RPC.

The court further directed that in the event of default in payment of the fine, the accused shall undergo an additional six months of simple imprisonment. All sentences shall run concurrently.