Srinagar, Jan 19,: The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir of the Crime Branch J&K has produced a charge sheet against a former Public Health Engineering employee for allegedly fraudulently availing migrant relief by misrepresenting his service status.
Officials said the charge sheet has been filed against Mohd Hussain Shah of Syedapura, Shopian, presently residing at Nunar Kawabagh in Ganderbal district. Shah was earlier associated with the Ganderbal Division of the Public Health Engineering Department and has since retired from service.
The charge sheet was presented before the court of the 19 Electricity Magistrate in Jammu. According to the investigation, the accused unlawfully registered himself as a migrant along with his family members and fraudulently obtained migrant relief amounting to ₹18,30,265.
The case was initiated following a written complaint received by the Economic Offences Wing Kashmir, alleging that the accused had dishonestly availed migrant relief in cash through illegal means. Investigators found that he remained in active government service during the period when the benefits were drawn, making him ineligible for such relief.
During the course of investigation, it was prima facie established that the accused deliberately misrepresented his employment status and suppressed material facts to secure migrant registration. The probe further revealed that the continued availing of relief caused wrongful loss to the government exchequer and corresponding wrongful gain to the accused.
Based on the material evidence collected, the investigation agency concluded that the acts of omission and commission constitute an offence punishable under Section 420 of the RPC. The evidence on record, officials said, substantiates the allegations leveled against him.
After completing all statutory and procedural requirements, the charge sheet was formally submitted before the competent court for judicial scrutiny. The Economic Offences Wing Kashmir reiterated its commitment to act against economic crimes and prevent misuse of government welfare schemes. [KNT]
