SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Kashmir of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir has filed a charge sheet against a retired Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department employee for allegedly posing as a migrant and fraudulently availing relief amounting to ₹18.30 lakh, officials said.
According to an official statement, the charge sheet has been produced before the Hon’ble Court of 19-Electricity Magistrate, Jammu against Mohd Hussain Shah, a resident of Syedapura, Shopian, presently residing at Nunar Kawabagh, Ganderbal. The accused retired from the PHE Department, Ganderbal Division.
Investigations revealed that the accused had unlawfully registered himself and his family members as migrants despite being in active government service during the relevant period, making him ineligible for migrant relief benefits. By doing so, he allegedly obtained migrant relief in cash amounting to ₹18,30,265 through illegal means.
The case was initiated following a written complaint, after which the EOW conducted a detailed investigation. The probe prima facie established that the accused had deliberately misrepresented his employment status and suppressed material facts to secure migrant registration and continued to draw relief despite being ineligible.
“The investigation further revealed that the accused’s actions resulted in a wrongful loss to the Government exchequer and a corresponding wrongful gain to himself,” the statement said.
Based on the material evidence collected, the EOW concluded that the acts of omission and commission constitute an offence punishable under Section 420 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
“After completing all statutory and procedural formalities, the charge sheet has been presented before the competent court for judicial scrutiny,” the statement added, reiterating the EOW Kashmir’s resolve to act firmly against economic crimes and prevent misuse of government welfare schemes.
