Srinagar, January 1:
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir has taken a decisive step in the 2021 Budgam job fraud case. Officials confirmed on Thursday that a formal chargesheet has been filed against two individuals accused of orchestrating a fake appointment racket that targeted vulnerable job aspirants in the valley.
The chargesheet was submitted before the Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class in Chadoora, Budgam, marking a significant milestone in the investigation of FIR No. 43/2021.
The two men named in the chargesheet are: Showkat Ahmad Hajam, Son of Mohd Akbar Hajam, resident of Wagoora, Chadoora (District Budgam). Irshad Ahmad Ahanger, Son of Ghulam Mohd Ahanger, resident of Ratnipora (District Pulwama).
The case first came to light when the Deputy Director of Agriculture reported a suspicious attempt by a woman to join the Directorate on November 30, 2019.
Upon arriving at the office, the woman presented a photocopy of an “official communication” (No. Agri/ESstt-NG/2018-19/8451-53) dated November 22, 2019. Suspicious officials immediately initiated a verification process, which revealed a shocking trail of forgery: The Directorate confirmed the document was never issued by their office. The specific appointment orders cited in the letter—Order No. 385/Estt. (April 2019) and Order No. 16/Estt. (January 2019)—were found to be complete fabrications. Investigations established that Irshad Ahmad Ahanger had procured these forged documents from Showkat Ahmad Hajam to deceive the victim.
“The forged order falsely listed three individuals as newly appointed orderlies in the Agriculture Department, Kashmir Division. This led one woman from Pulwama to believe she had secured a legitimate government job,” an official statement read.
The EOW investigation uncovered a deep-rooted criminal conspiracy to use these forged documents as genuine. While the probe did not establish a specific monetary transaction or financial gain, the intent to defraud was clear.
With the completion of the investigation and the filing of the chargesheet, the case now moves to the judiciary. The EOW has urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent recruitment schemes and to verify all government appointment orders through official channels only.
