Srinagar, Jan 19: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch J&K has filed a chargesheet against a former Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department employee for allegedly fraudulently availing migrant relief exceeding ₹18 lakh by misrepresenting his service status and unlawfully registering as a migrant along with his family members.
According to an official statement, the EOW has produced a chargesheet against Mohd Hussain Shah of Syedapura, Shopian, presently residing at Nunar Kawabagh, Ganderbal, a retired employee of the PHE Department, Ganderbal Division, before the Court of the 19th Electricity Magistrate, Jammu. The chargesheet relates to allegations of illegal migrant registration and fraudulent withdrawal of migrant relief amounting to ₹18,30,265.
The investigation was initiated following a written complaint alleging that the accused, while serving in the PHE Department, dishonestly obtained migrant relief in cash through illegal means. It was alleged that Shah unlawfully registered himself and his family members as migrants despite being in active government service during the relevant period, making him ineligible for such benefits.
The EOW said a detailed probe was conducted, during which it was prima facie established that the accused deliberately misrepresented his employment status and suppressed material facts to secure migrant registration. The investigation further revealed that he continued to draw migrant relief despite ineligibility, causing wrongful loss to the government exchequer and corresponding wrongful gain to himself.
On the basis of evidence collected, the EOW concluded that the acts of omission and commission constitute an offence punishable under Section 420 of the RPC. After completing all statutory and procedural requirements, the chargesheet has been presented before the competent court for judicial scrutiny.
Reiterating its commitment to act against economic crimes, the EOW Kashmir said it remains firm in safeguarding public resources and preventing misuse of government welfare schemes. (KNC)
