ACB Launches Investigation Into Alleged Funds Misappropriation by Municipal Committee Officials

JAMMU : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has initiated legal action against Shakeel Ahmed Mir, former President of the Municipal Committee Thanamandi, along with Mushtaq Ahmed, former Executive Officer, and Riyaz Ahmed, former Storekeeper, for alleged misappropriation of funds. The case, FIR no. 01/2024, was registered at Police Station ACB Rajouri under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt. 2006, and section 120-B RPC, implicating several other individuals, including the proprietor of M/s Gouri Sales Agencies.

Officials told news agency Press Trust of Kashmir that, the investigation stems from allegations surrounding a tender process initiated by the Municipal Committee Thanamandi for the installation of street lights. It is alleged that despite specific brand requirements, inferior quality LED bulbs were supplied, deviating from the agreed-upon terms. Furthermore, discrepancies were found in the procurement process, with a significant number of street lights missing and others purchased at exorbitant rates.

Mushtaq Ahmed, the then Executive Officer, is accused of issuing supply orders without following proper tendering procedures, leading to untraceable transactions and questionable payments. The involvement of Shakeel Ahmed Mir, Mushtaq Ahmed, Riyaz Ahmed, and others is alleged to have resulted in the misappropriation of government funds, causing substantial losses to the public exchequer.

The ACB, in collaboration with local authorities, has conducted searches at the residences of the accused individuals in District Rajouri as part of the ongoing investigation. The bureau has vowed to pursue the case diligently until all aspects of the alleged corruption are thoroughly examined.

As the investigation progresses, the ACB remains committed to upholding transparency and accountability in public service, ensuring that those found guilty of corruption face appropriate legal consequences.