Handwara Scam
Jammu: After nearly a decade of investigation, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has concluded the high-profile Handwara embezzlement case involving massive financial irregularities in the PHE Division under the NRDWP scheme.
In a major administrative action, the Jal Shakti Department has dismissed Manzoor Ahmad Hajam, then Junior Assistant, from service under Article 311(2) of the Constitution. He has also been permanently barred from future government employment.
Authorities have ordered the recovery of ₹1.88 crore from multiple serving and retired officials found responsible for fraudulent withdrawals and misuse of government funds. Recoveries will be made as per service and financial rules.
In addition, disciplinary proceedings against Assistant Accounts Officers of the Finance Department have been referred to the Finance Department for action, including recovery of embezzled funds.
While departmental actions by the Jal Shakti Department have concluded, criminal proceedings linked to FIR No. 91/2014 are still underway in the court of law.
The case was triggered by a 2014 PIL and FIR filed by the Crime Branch. A detailed, multi-agency probe exposed prolonged procedural violations and fraudulent transactions, ultimately resulting in this stern administrative step.
