Srinagar, Apr 19 (JKNS): Two separate FIRs have been registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Srinagar over illegal constructions and financial fraud involving government officials and private entities.
While addressing a press conference, SSP ACB Srinagar Javid Hassan Bhat, as per news agency JKNS, said the first case was registered following a complaint from the Intizamia Committee of Masjid Shareef Gagribal, alleging illegal construction by Iftikhar Sadiq, son of Rafiq Sadiq, on nearly 12 kanals of custodian land at Gagribal.
Verification revealed that Sadiq constructed five multi-storey hostel buildings in violation of J&K Building By-Laws 2011, in criminal conspiracy with officials of LAWDA, Town Planning Organisation, and Custodian Department. Permission was initially granted for only three structures, but further approvals were issued in complete violation of regulations.
The buildings, ACB found, did not match approved plans and resembled resorts rather than hostels. Several officials are alleged to have abused their positions for personal gain. FIR No. 08/2025 has been filed at Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation is underway.
In a separate case, FIR No. 07/2025 was registered based on a joint surprise check into alleged irregularities in the dredging of HokerSar Wetland at Narbal, executed by M/S Reach Dredging Ltd.
The dredging contract was allotted under NIT No.01 of 2018-19 for over Rs 20 crore with the condition that no material would be dumped within the wetland’s periphery. However, works were executed on altered parameters without proper disposal measures for excavated material.
The ACB found manipulated specifications, clubbing of transportation leads from 8 km to 18 km, and unjustified payments which resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 2.29 crore to the exchequer, excluding royalty and environmental damage.
Those named include then Executive Engineers Siraj-Ud-Din Shah and Ghulam Ahmad Beigh, and then AEE Irfan Ahmad Reshi, who allegedly colluded with the contractor company. The case has been registered under the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and relevant RPC sections. (JKNS)
