Srinagar, Feb 5:
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a comprehensive chargesheet against a former Assistant Professor at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura. The accused is alleged to have secured a prestigious government post by concealing her British citizenship and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status.
The chargesheet was produced on Thursday before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, marking a significant step in a case that highlights a major breach of recruitment protocols.
The Accused and the Allegations
The accused has been identified as Ms. Afshan Shabir, a resident of Shibath Zadibal. According to the EOW, the investigation (FIR No. 76/2022) revealed that:
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Identity Misrepresentation: Shabir applied for the post of Assistant Professor in 2019 under Advertisement Notice No. 04 of 2015.
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Citizenship Fraud: Despite holding a British passport and an OCI card, she declared herself an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Document Forgery: She submitted a State Subject Certificate and other declarations to validate her claim as an “in-service” candidate, despite being ineligible for a permanent government post as a foreign national.
The Investigation Process
The Crime Branch seized and examined critical official records, including:
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Service Book and Personal Files
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Original Application Forms
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Selection Committee Minutes
During questioning, the accused admitted to holding British citizenship acquired prior to her entry into government service. The EOW stated that her misrepresentation led to “wrongful gain to herself and a corresponding loss to the Government exchequer.”
Consequences and Legal Action
The fraud first came to light in 2022, leading to the immediate termination of her services via Government Order No. 23-SKIMS of 2022 on August 20, 2022.
The EOW has now charged her under:
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Section 199 RPC: False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence.
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Section 420 RPC: Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
“The investigation established that the accused fraudulently secured a public post by misrepresenting her citizenship status,” the EOW statement read.
Key Facts at a Glance
Accused: Ms. Afshan Shabirv, Post Secured: Assistant Professor (SKIMS Soura), Status Held: UK National / OCI Card Holder, Date of Termination: August 20, 2022and Current Legal Status: Chargesheeted in CJM Court, Srinagar.
