SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against former officials of the Horticulture Department, members of departmental committees, and a private contractor in connection with alleged irregularities in development works at Zawoora Garden in Srinagar.
Officials said the case follows the findings of a Joint Surprise Check conducted by Police Station ACB Srinagar into allegations of corruption, procedural violations, financial mismanagement and misuse of official position in the execution of works under the Centre of Excellence project at Zawoora Garden.
The verification reportedly uncovered prima facie evidence of serious irregularities in the tendering and execution process. It is alleged that the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) was framed without clear technical specifications and quality benchmarks, creating room for discretionary decision-making.
The enquiry further indicated that financial provisions in the tender were significantly higher than those approved in the Detailed Project Report (DPR). It also pointed to allegedly inflated eligibility criteria, particularly relating to turnover requirements, which were fixed at a level higher than necessary, thereby restricting competition and favouring a specific bidder.
Investigators have observed that these factors collectively suggest possible abuse of official position, criminal misconduct and conspiracy involving public servants and a private firm, resulting in undue benefit to the contractor and loss to the public exchequer.
Following these findings, FIR No. 09/2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under relevant provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code. The case names the then Director Horticulture Kashmir, members of the District Level Purchase Committee, members of the Inspection Committee, and M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd., among others.
The investigation is continuing to determine the exact role and responsibility of all individuals involved, officials added.
