Jammu: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Jammu has filed a fresh chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the alleged misappropriation and diversion of more than ₹1.38 crore from the government treasury in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The supplementary chargesheet was presented before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Reasi on Saturday. The case relates to the alleged embezzlement of government funds under pension and National Pension System (NPS) heads at Sub-Treasury Dharmari.
According to the Crime Branch, the case was registered in 2024 following allegations of manipulation of the Treasury-Net system, preparation of forged bills and vouchers, and their subsequent use to divert government funds. The initial FIR was registered at Arnas Police Station on the basis of a complaint filed by Reasi District Treasury Officer Qamar Rehman. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Jammu.
After taking over the investigation, the Economic Offences Wing conducted a detailed examination of records related to the sub-treasury. Investigators scrutinised treasury records, bank account transactions, relevant bills and vouchers associated with the alleged fraud. During the investigation, the questioned documents were also sent for forensic examination.
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According to the Crime Branch, the report of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), along with other documentary and oral evidence collected during the investigation, indicated that the disputed bills and vouchers had allegedly been prepared by one of the principal accused.
Investigators also examined the signatures appearing on the relevant documents. The probe focused on identifying the officials connected with those signatures and determining how the allegedly forged bills and vouchers were used in the government payment process. The authenticity of the documents and the financial transactions carried out on their basis became important elements of the investigation.
Three Principal Accused Named
According to the Crime Branch, the evidence collected during the investigation established offences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against three principal accused—Ali Hussain Shah, Balbir Singh and Ajeet Kumar. The agency has alleged that the three played a role in the alleged misappropriation of government funds and their diversion from their intended purpose.
The investigation also established offences under relevant provisions of law against seven additional accused. They have been identified as Arshad-e-Azam, Abrar-e-Azam, Rubeena Kousar, Mohd Rafiq, Shokat Ali, Mohd Ashraf and Nasib Mohammad.
According to the Crime Branch, these seven accused allegedly played roles connected with the dishonest receipt and retention of government funds. Their alleged involvement was examined on the basis of documentary evidence, financial records and other material gathered during the investigation.
Probe Into Diversion of More Than ₹1.38 Crore
The case centres on the alleged misuse and diversion of more than ₹1.38 crore from Sub-Treasury Dharmari. Investigators have treated the alleged manipulation of the Treasury-Net system as a key component of the case. Bills and vouchers used for government payments are critical financial records, and the alleged fabrication of such documents was examined as part of the suspected mechanism used to withdraw or divert public money.
The investigation also examined the movement of funds through bank accounts to establish how the allegedly diverted money was received, retained or transferred. The forensic examination of questioned bills and vouchers was carried out to establish their authenticity and identify the persons allegedly responsible for preparing or using them.
The Crime Branch has said that the investigation remains open. The agency is continuing to trace any further diversion of government funds and determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged fraud.
The next stage of the investigation will focus on tracking the subsequent flow of the allegedly diverted funds and identifying any additional accused or beneficiaries, if evidence establishes their involvement.
With the supplementary chargesheet now filed before the court, the judicial process will proceed on the basis of the evidence submitted by the Crime Branch. The agency has made it clear that the investigation into any additional diversion of government funds and the possible involvement of other persons will continue.
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