Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 24: The Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs has dismissed a Watch and Ward Assistant of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council (J&K LC) for his alleged “financial misconduct.”
As per an order, an investigation revealed that Fayaz Ahmad Bhat illegally accepted a total of Rs 21.30 lakh under the pretence of securing Government jobs for various individuals.
The case began with an allegation that Bhat received Rs 5 lakh from Dilawar Manzoor, a resident of Berthipora Shopian, promising him a Government position.
Additional charges were made involving Rs 16.30 lakh received from Nisar Ahmad and his nephews. A significant portion of these transactions was traced to Bhat’s bank account, with the remaining amounts paid in cash.
A formal charge sheet was issued to Bhat on March 6, 2023, detailing the allegations and evidence against him, including bank statements and cash payments, and he was given 15 days to submit his defence. However, his responses were found unsatisfactory, leading to the initiation of formal inquiry proceedings against him.
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Throughout the inquiry, led by an appointed Inquiry Officer, Bhat’s responses and the evidence presented against him were thoroughly examined.
The inquiry concluded that Bhat’s admissions during the hearing, coupled with corroborating witness testimonies and financial documentation, conclusively proved the charges against him.
Despite his attempts to dispute the exact amounts received, the Inquiry Officer determined that Bhat’s actions constituted a breach of trust and misuse of his office for personal gain.
Following the inquiry, the competent authority reviewed the findings and decided that the gravity of the misconduct warranted Bhat’s dismissal from service, a penalty that also disqualifies him from future Government employment.
This decision was upheld even after Bhat was released on bail related to another case handled by the Crime Branch in Jammu and had the opportunity to respond to a show cause notice regarding his dismissal.
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