GUN LICENCES SCAM 5 DCs in net as VoK lodges FIR after Home Deptt indicts irregularities during 2011-16
Sumit Sharma. Updated: 5/18/2018 10:47:31 AM
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JAMMU: As many as five Deputy Commissioners (DCs) posted during the period of 2011-16 have come under the subject of investigation by Vigilance Organization Kashmir (VoK) after the Home Department filed a formal complaint with the State Vigilance Organization (SVO), following the reports pouring in from Rajasthan about the issuance of arms licences from J&K State in past years in bulk and that too without adhering to nodal formalities.
As the Home Department complained of District Authorities brazenly flouting norms while issuing gun licences, the VoK has registered a case and taken up investigations.
An official in Vigilance Organization on promised anonymity told The News Now that Deputy Commissioners (DCs) posted in five districts of State viz. Jammu, Kathua, Kupwara, Ramban and Kishtwar for the period of 2011-16 have been put on the subject of investigation in gun licences scam.
“The case was registered on the complaint received by the Home Department of Government of J&K with regard to irregularities in issuance and renewal of Arms Licences by the authorities across the state during the period 2012-16, which further speaks that the District Authorities are involved in malpractices in issuance of Arms Licences in lieu of monetary considerations and in connivance with private persons,” the spokesperson of vigilance organization stated.
The abuse of their official position as public servants, in turn discloses commission of criminal misconduct by them, he added.
“Following the formal complaint, the Vigilance Organization Kashmir (VoK) has registered a case FIR No. 18/2018 P/S VOK, U/S 5(2) PC Act Samvat 2006 read with Section 3/25 Arms Act 1962 and investigation were taken up,” spokesperson said.
Meanwhile Official sources maintained that the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department took cognizance after the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Rajasthan investigating an Inter-State Arms Licence Scam having its tentacles in Rajasthan also. The ATS Rajasthan had sought details of top officers posted in the J&K Home Department since 2001.
The letter in this connection was darted by the Himanshu, Additional Superintendent of Police (Investigation), ATS, Jaipur (Rajasthan) to J&K Home Commissioner RK Goyal.
Sources further claimed that acting swiftly on the requirements of the ATS, Rajasthan, J&K Home Department had sought reports from several district Deputy Commissioners to provide details of arms licence-holders and found discrepancies following which Home Department lodge FIR with SVO.