Srinagar, Jan 19:
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a formal charge sheet against a retired government employee for allegedly defrauding the state of over ₹18.3 lakh. The accused is charged with posing as a “migrant” to illegally claim relief benefits while he was in active government service.
The Accused and the Allegations
The charge sheet was produced before the Hon’ble Court of 19th Electricity Magistrate, Jammu, against:
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Name: Mohd Hussain Shah
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Current Residence: Nunar Kawabagh, Ganderbal (Originally from Syedapura, Shopian)
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Former Designation: Employee of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Ganderbal Division.
Details of the Fraud
Investigations by the EOW revealed a systematic bypass of government welfare rules. According to the Crime Branch, Shah misrepresented his employment status to secure migrant registration for himself and his family.
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Total Amount Involved: ₹18,30,265 (unlawfully drawn in cash).
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The Violation: Per government regulations, active government employees are ineligible for the cash relief meant for displaced migrants. Shah allegedly suppressed the fact that he was receiving a government salary while simultaneously drawing relief funds.
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Offence: The acts have been categorized as a violation under Section 420 RPC (Cheating).
Investigation Timeline
The case began after a written complaint sparked a preliminary inquiry. The subsequent “thorough investigation” established that the accused continued to draw benefits for years, leading to a significant loss to the government exchequer. Complaint: Allegations of illegal migrant registration by a serving PHE official, EOW Probe: Established suppression of material facts and service status, Evidence: Material evidence substantiates misrepresentation and wrongful gain and Action: Charge sheet filed for judicial scrutiny.
The Crackdown on Welfare Misuse
In an official statement, the EOW Kashmir reiterated its firm resolve to protect public resources.
“The Economic Offences Wing is committed to acting against economic crimes and preventing the misuse of government welfare schemes. We will continue to safeguard resources meant for the truly deserving.”
The case now moves to the judicial phase, where the material evidence collected by the investigation agency will be scrutinized by the competent court.
