SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) faced a major controversy after former Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Dr Karnail Singh, accused of being the mastermind behind the Jammu and Kashmir Sub-Inspector Recruitment scam, briefly joined the party on January 6. Singh, currently out on bail, is accused of leaking examination papers for police sub-inspectors, junior engineers, and finance account assistants, shattering the dreams of thousands of job aspirants.
Singh’s induction into the NC occurred during an event attended by party president Farooq Abdullah and other senior leaders. Dr Abdullah described the NC as a “mass movement” committed to development and progress, while Singh pledged to work toward the party’s vision of a peaceful Jammu and Kashmir. However, within minutes of the announcement, public backlash erupted on social media, with critics highlighting Singh’s alleged role in the recruitment scam.
In October 2022, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Singh and 23 others after uncovering the scam. Singh was accused of leaking examination papers to the highest bidders, resulting in the cancellation of recruitment lists for various positions. The scandal disrupted the hopes of thousands of candidates and eroded public confidence in the recruitment process.
Student organisations and political leaders condemned the NC for welcoming Singh. They labelled Singh the “kingpin” of the scam, calling his induction a betrayal of voters and aspirants who believed in merit-based recruitment.
Responding to the criticism, Farooq Abdullah clarified that the NC was unaware of Singh’s criminal allegations at the time of his induction. “We were told he had recently retired and wanted to serve society. His joining has been withheld, and he cannot officially join the party unless he is acquitted,” Abdullah stated.
Sources within the NC revealed that the leadership was embarrassed by the incident and is considering action against party members responsible for facilitating Singh’s induction. Despite the clarification, the controversy has intensified scrutiny over the party’s vetting process and Singh’s future involvement in politics.
