Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 20: Special Judge Anti Corruption Doda Archana Charak today framed corruption charges against Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, Mohd Ashraf Zarger (the then Executive Officers Municipal Committee Doda), Sukesh Kumar and Zakir Ali (Sanitary Inspectors), Showket Ali (Accountant), Mohd Latif Shah (the then Junior Assistant), Ab Rashid Dar (the then Sanitary Supervisor- now retired) in a case of alleged corruption and abuse of office.
These public servants of Municipal Committee Doda in connivance with the higher authorities and the beneficiaries swindled lakhs of rupees, which has been supported by record provided by the Executive Officer, Municipal Committee-Doda for the period between 2008 and 2012.
Executive Officer Municipal Committee Doda appointed many incumbents against different category of posts reportedly at the behest of higher authorities and also himself for personal gains. Due to this, huge amount in the shape of wages was embezzled.
On the direction of SSP Doda, FIR No. 153/2012 under Sections 406/420/409/467/468/471/109 of RPC was registered against the accused persons for the commission of the offences and investigation started. Later, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted.
During investigation, it came to the fore that an amount of Rs 1,30,790 was withdrawn for 26 need-base labourers and allegedly misappropriation by the accused. Moreover, an amount of Rs 9,309 was withdrawn for purchase of diesel, which was not used in the vehicles.
The perusal of record revealed that engagement of 26 need base labourers was only on the papers without proper address and parentage etc. Even fictitious vouchers were prepared under-POL Head which include Voucher No.2953 dated 27-2-2009 for release of 100 litres diesel for the tractor amounting to Rs 3522, Voucher No.2124 dated 19-9-2011 for release of 40 litres diesel for the tractor amounting to Rs 1725, Voucher No. 1049 dated.30-10-2010 for release of 30 litres diesel for the loader at a cost of Rs 1236, Voucher No.231 dated 3-6-2009 for 20 litres diesel for the Vehicle Container and Voucher No. 327 dated 30-10-2011 for 50 litres diesel at a cost of Rs 2156.
After hearing Special PP Rajesh Gill for the ACB whereas Advocate M A Bhat for the accused persons, court observed, “there is sufficient ground for proceeding against the accused persons for the commission of the offence punishable under Section 409/420/467/468/471/120-B of RPC and 5(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act”.
“Hence accused person namely Sheikh Abdul Hafiz is charged with offences punishable under Sections 409/420/120-B of RPC and 5(2) of PC Act and other accused are charged with offences punishable under Sections 409/420/467/468/471/120-B of RPC and 5(2) of PC Act. Formal charge is framed against the accused persons. The contents of the charge are read over and explained to the accused persons in the open court who pleaded not guilty and claim to be tried”, read the order.
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