Bureaucracy
CBI Gets Centre’s Nod to Prosecute Revenue Secretary in Arms Licence Scam
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has received prosecution sanction from the central government to proceed against Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, an IAS officer implicated in the infamous arms licence scam in Jammu and Kashmir. The approval, granted by the competent authority on November 28, 2024, was conveyed by Pijush Mohanta, under-secretary to the government of India, in a letter addressed to Deputy Solicitor General Vishal Sharma for submission to the high court of J&K and Ladakh.
Ranjan, who served as the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu during the alleged scam, is among nine IAS officers accused of issuing arms licences to ineligible individuals in exchange for monetary gains. The scam reportedly involved a criminal conspiracy between district magistrates, gun dealers, and intermediaries, resulting in the issuance of approximately 2.74 lakh arms licences across Jammu and Kashmir between 2012 and 2016.
The case, under investigation by the CBI, has revealed that fake documents were used to facilitate the issuance of these licences, which were distributed to undeserving individuals for financial benefits. Despite the gravity of the charges, the high court of J&K and Ladakh has expressed concern over the selective prosecution of influential bureaucrats, suggesting that the process appears biased and delayed.
On November 25, a division bench of Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice MA Chowdhary criticized the “pick-and-choose” policy in granting prosecution sanctions. The court reluctantly granted a one-month extension to the Centre and the Union Territory government to file status reports detailing the steps taken to prosecute the accused. It warned of coercive measures if progress was not made before the next hearing.
The court further highlighted the CBI’s findings that arms licensing authorities, in collaboration with gun house dealers and intermediaries, forged documents to issue licences illegally. Despite conclusive evidence, sanctions to prosecute influential bureaucrats have been delayed, raising questions about accountability and impartiality.
Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, when approached, declined to comment, citing the sub judice status of the case. Meanwhile, the CBI continues its efforts to ensure justice in what has been termed one of the largest arms licensing scams in the region.