Srinagar, Jan 19: In a major crackdown on the misuse of government welfare schemes, 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 amounting to over ₹18 lakh.
According to an official statement, the EOW Kashmir produced a chargesheet against Mohd Hussain Shah, a resident of Syedapura, Shopian, presently residing at Nunar Kawabagh, Ganderbal. Shah is a retired employee of the PHE Department, Ganderbal Division. The chargesheet has been submitted before the Hon’ble Court of the 19th Electricity Magistrate, Jammu.
The case pertains to allegations that the accused unlawfully registered himself as a migrant along with his family members and fraudulently obtained migrant relief amounting to ₹18,30,265. Acting on a written complaint, the investigation agency examined allegations that Shah had dishonestly availed migrant relief in cash through illegal means.
It was alleged that despite being in active government service during the relevant period, the accused registered himself as a migrant, making him ineligible for such benefits. A detailed investigation carried out by the EOW prima facie established that Shah deliberately misrepresented his employment status and suppressed material facts to secure migrant registration.
The probe further revealed that the accused continued to draw migrant relief benefits despite being ineligible, resulting in wrongful loss to the government exchequer and corresponding wrongful gain to himself.
Based on the material evidence collected during the investigation, the EOW established that the acts of omission and commission on the part of the accused constitute an offence punishable under Section 420 of the RPC. The evidence on record, the statement said, clearly substantiates the allegations levelled against him.
After completing all statutory and procedural formalities, the Economic Offences Wing Kashmir has presented the chargesheet before the competent court for judicial scrutiny.
Reiterating its commitment, the EOW Kashmir stated that it remains firm in its resolve to act against economic crimes and to safeguard public resources by preventing the misuse of government welfare schemes.
