SRINAGAR: Crime Branch Jammu has filed a chargesheet before the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge (Anti-Corruption), Jammu, in a long-pending RTO Jammu fraud case involving the alleged misappropriation of government revenue and issuance of fake driving institute certificates.
The chargesheet has been filed in connection with FIR No. 01/2009 registered under Sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to the Crime Branch, the case was registered following credible information about large-scale irregularities in the functioning of the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Jammu, resulting in financial losses to the government exchequer.
During the investigation, officials found that the one-time token tax collected from vehicle owners was allegedly recorded at lower amounts in the cash books, leading to the misappropriation of Rs 12,97,040 in government revenue.
The probe also uncovered the alleged use of fake driving institute certificates, fabricated documents and forged attestations for obtaining Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driving licence endorsements.
Crime Branch said the investigation, supported by seized records, witness statements and a forensic examination conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Jammu, established that fake PSV driving certificates were allegedly prepared in conspiracy by Kulbhushan Sharma, Managing Director of Shivam Institute of Driving and Maintenance, and Raj Kumar.
Investigators said several beneficiaries informed the probe team that they had never undergone the mandatory training at the institute despite certificates being issued in their names. The investigation further revealed that records of the institute had allegedly been destroyed to conceal the fraudulent activities.
Based on the evidence collected, Crime Branch concluded that the allegations had been substantiated and filed the chargesheet before the Anti-Corruption Court in Jammu for judicial proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has advised the public to remain vigilant against economic frauds and report such incidents to the SSP, Crime Branch Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Jammu. Victims of economic fraud may also submit complaints through the Crime Branch’s official channels, it added.
