ACB Registers Case Against Horticulture Officials for Fraudulent Shop Allotment in Sopore
PTK Exclusive News
Baramulla, May 21, 2024 – The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has registered a case against Mohammad Sultan Teli, the then Deputy Director of Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) Department, Kashmir, and Mohammad Ashraf Damnoo, the then Area Marketing Officer of Sopore, along with 48 other individuals for illegal and fraudulent allotment of shop sites at the Fruit and Vegetable Mandi in Nowpora, Sopore.
A Joint Surprise Check (JSC) by the ACB revealed significant irregularities in the allotment process of shops at Fruit Mandi Sopore. The probe was initiated following allegations that the Area Marketing Officer, in collusion with local touts, allotted shops arbitrarily, ignoring bona fide applicants who had submitted their forms and premiums two decades ago.
In 2001, the Department of Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) had invited applications for the allotment of 700 shop sites at the Fruit & Vegetable Market in Nowpora Sopore, as per notification No. DHPM/701/2001/1381-92. A total of 595 applications were received, each accompanied by a first premium installment of Rs. 25,000. However, the investigation revealed that the draw of lots, as initially stipulated, was bypassed, and allotments were made arbitrarily.
The probe found that Mohammad Ashraf Damnoo forged documents to favor preferred beneficiaries, including his own relatives. Furthermore, 48 beneficiaries were enlisted between 2009 and 2014, despite the original cutoff date being September 29, 2001. These allotments were made at the old premium rate of Rs. 100,000, ignoring the significant increase in land value over time.
The investigation also uncovered that the Horticulture Department officials delayed the processing of applications until 2009, allowing arbitrary allotments that contravened the original terms and conditions. Moreover, 591 applicants received allotment orders without paying the full premium amount of Rs. 1 lakh. As of June 30, 2021, an outstanding amount of Rs. 1,21,88,000 was due from the allottees.
The conspiracy among the officials and beneficiaries, driven by pecuniary gains, led to the wrongful allotment of shop sites and substantial financial losses for the state exchequer. The accused officials, including the then Deputy Director and Area Marketing Officer, exploited their positions, disregarding official protocols and conferring undue benefits on themselves and their associates.
The actions of the accused, including forgery and fraud, constitute offenses under sections 5(1)(d) read with 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, and sections 465, 468, 471, and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). FIR No. 06/2024 has been registered at ACB Baramulla, and further investigations are ongoing. Searches conducted at the residences of the accused officials resulted in the seizure of various incriminating documents.
The ACB continues to investigate the case to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and that justice is served.
