WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered another detailed inquiry into alleged financial irregularities in a road project in Shopian district, with departmental proceedings initiated against five serving officials, more than a year and a half after the first inquiry committee was constituted.
The latest order, issued by the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department, concerns the project titled “Strengthening/Upgradation of Checki Kachdora to Checki Nowgam and Chetripora-Kaprin Road,” sanctioned under NABARD XXIII.
The case has seen multiple rounds of inquiry. The first committee was constituted on February 18, 2025, and submitted its report on April 16, 2025. A subsequent committee was constituted on July 21, 2025, with further reports submitted on September 17 and December 9, 2025.
The latest government order follows these earlier inquiries and directs a fresh, in-depth examination of the matter, including the allegations against officials involved in the execution of the project.
According to the order, an inquiry committee reported alleged gross lapses, misconduct and violations of applicable guidelines. It also recommended a comprehensive financial audit to assess the irregularities and determine any potential loss to the government exchequer.
The order identifies 23 officers and officials in connection with the case. Of these, 18 had reportedly retired more than two years earlier, while one official had died.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against five serving officials: Er. Farooq Ahmad Naikoo, Assistant Executive Engineer; Vikram Nain Singh, Draftsman; Tariq Ahmed Malik, Draftsman; Javaid Ahmed Malik, Draftsman; and Ghulam Hassan, Road Worker serving as Divisional Store Keeper.
The government order states that the replies submitted by the officials to the charges were not found satisfactory or reasonable in view of the inquiry committee’s findings and the available records.
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 appointed as the Presenting Officer.
The Inquiry Officer has been directed to submit his findings within 30 days and record a reasoned conclusion on whether the charges against the officials stand established.
The order does not specify the total sanctioned cost of the road project or quantify any financial loss to the government. It also does not establish the final guilt of the officials, with the latest proceedings intended to determine whether the charges are substantiated.
