Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 11: The Public Works (R&B) Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a fresh de-novo inquiry into alleged financial and procedural irregularities in purchase of wires from Delhi, involving several engineers, a technical officer, and draftsmen of the Mechanical Irrigation Construction Division (MICD) Srinagar.
An order issued in this context said the fresh inquiry was ordered after the General Administration Department (GAD) noted gaps in earlier findings and flagged significant variations in the rates of the wires purchased from Delhi and rate charged in payments, indicating potential loss to the State exchequer.
According to the order, earlier inquiries and committee reviews had examined the matter and even recommended closure of the case.
However, the GAD insisted that crucial observations remained unaddressed and advised a fresh look into the allegations.
The department has now appointed Arshid Hussain Reshi, Superintendent Engineer (Electric) O&M Circle, Ganderbal, KPDCL, as Inquiry Officer and Tariq Bashir, Technical Officer to Chief Engineer, Mechanical and Hospitals Directorate, Kashmir as the Presenting Officer to probe into the charges against Imtiyaz Ahmad Kirmani, Executive Engineer, Tasaduq Hussain Dar, AEE, Basharat Nazir Beigh, JE, Mohammad Amin Bhat, TO, and Draftsmen Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar Ashiq Hussain Thokar.
As per the order, a Tribunal had also dismissed a related application in April 2019, clearing the way for further departmental action.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Inquiry Officer has been directed to submit findings within one month.
The officer will re-examine the charges, supporting documents and related facts to determine whether the allegations hold merit.
The Government has also clarified that any change in posting of involved officers will not affect the inquiry process.
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