SRINAGAR: A case has been registered against Mehraj Malik, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president for Jammu and Kashmir and MLA from Doda, after he was allegedly seen removing medical equipment and life-saving drugs from a government-run Ayushman Arogya Mandir/Health and Wellness Centre at Kencha village in Doda district. The incident, live-streamed on social media, triggered controversy and sharp exchanges among local leaders, Chadigarh-based newspaper The Tribune reported.
According to an official statement from the district health authorities, the wellness centre in Kencha village, Thathri block, has been operating out of a rented two-room private building for over five years. Nearly two years ago, one of the rooms had sunk and sustained structural damage, prompting repeated safety concerns from residents.
Following inspections, the Block Medical Officer, Thathri, took up the matter with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Doda, to relocate the facility. Several committees were formed to assess alternative sites, and after due process, a building owned by one Abdul Rashid was approved. However, Malik opposed the decision, accusing the administration of corruption and favouritism, and instead supported another proposal from Ghulam Ali Malik, which was rejected for failing to meet the required criteria.
The statement alleged that the MLA, accompanied by others, forcibly removed equipment and medicines, disrupting emergency services and affecting the distribution of drugs to patients.
An FIR has been registered at Gandoh Police Station under Sections 221, 329(3), 351(2), 305(e), and 191(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against those involved, including the MLA.
In response, Mehraj Malik issued a statement on social media, saying he had already submitted a written request to the CMO, Doda, for relocating the centre in line with public demand and to a location he claimed was more suitable. He further alleged that the Deputy Commissioner was attempting to “favour the mafia” and used harsh words against the official in his remarks.
