SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered a fresh in-depth inquiry into alleged misappropriation of government funds and gross irregularities in the execution of two road projects in Shopian, with five serving Public Works (R and B) Department employees facing disciplinary proceedings.
The action relates to the project for the strengthening and upgradation of the Checki Kachdora–Checki Nowgam and Chetripora–Kaprin roads, sanctioned under NABARD XXIII.
Under Government Order No. 338 PW(R and B) of 2026, Er Syed Ishfaq Ahmad, In-Charge Superintending Engineer (Civil), R&B Circle Anantnag, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer, while Er Maqsood Shafi Basu, In-Charge Executive Engineer, PMGSY Division Pulwama, has been designated as Presenting Officer.
The Inquiry Officer has been directed to submit the findings within 30 days of issuance of the order and determine whether the charges against the accused officials are sustained, along with reasons.
The department said it had received credible inputs and a discreet report alleging misappropriation of government funds by engineers and officials of the R and B Division, Shopian, in connection with the works.
An earlier committee constituted in February 2025 was tasked with examining the sanctioned and allotted costs, executed quantities, expenditure, quality parameters and compliance with the contract agreement, bid documents, financial rules and relevant engineering manuals.
A subsequent committee report, submitted in September 2025 and followed by a clarification in December, found what the department described as “gross lapses, misconduct and violation of applicable guidelines”. It also recommended a comprehensive financial audit to assess irregularities and quantify any potential loss to the state exchequer.
The report identified 23 officers and officials associated with the execution of the works. Of these, 18 had retired more than two years earlier and one had died, making disciplinary proceedings against them impermissible under Article 168 of the JK Civil Service Regulations, 1956. The Government, however, said consequential action would follow if any loss to the exchequer was subsequently established against them.
Disciplinary proceedings under Rule 33 of the JK Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, were initiated against five serving employees: Executive Engineer Er Farooq Ahmad Naikoo, Draftsmen Vikram Nain Singh, Tariq Ahmed Malik and Javaid Ahmed Malik, and Road Worker (Divisional Store Keeper) Ghulam Hassan.
The charged employees denied the allegations in their replies. However, the department said their responses were not considered sufficient to absolve them in light of the inquiry committee’s findings and the records available.
The fresh inquiry will examine the charges, the officials’ responses and other relevant facts before determining whether the allegations are established. Any change in the posting of the Inquiry Officer or Presenting Officer will not affect their assigned responsibilities.
