Srinagar. The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet against Mohammad Farooq, a former junior assistant in the office of the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Manjakote, Rajouri, in a case involving the alleged misappropriation of rice and cooking costs under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme. The chargesheet in FIR No. 26/2018 was filed before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Rajouri, on Monday. The court has fixed September 29 as the next date of hearing.
According to the ACB, the case was registered on December 28, 2018, following a verification into the alleged misappropriation of rice allocated under the MDM scheme in Zone Manjakote during the fourth quarter of 2014-15. The initial verification focused on the alleged misuse of around 200 quintals of rice. However, a detailed investigation and scrutiny of official records subsequently established a larger quantity of allegedly misappropriated rice.
The investigation allegedly found the involvement of then ZEO Manjakote Shah Nawaz Khan and Mohammad Farooq, who was serving as the dealing hand for MDM-related work. Khan has since died. The ACB alleged that Farooq, in association with the then ZEO, manipulated official records and prepared fake and forged indents and authority letters to facilitate the withdrawal and alleged misappropriation of rice meant for the scheme.
During the investigation, the agency examined relevant government records and obtained a forensic opinion on the documents. According to the ACB, the evidence and record scrutiny established the alleged misappropriation of 256.40 quintals of rice, valued at ₹8,03,557.60.
In addition to the rice, ₹4,61,578 allocated as cooking costs under the MDM scheme was also allegedly misappropriated. The total loss to the State exchequer has therefore been assessed at ₹12,65,135.60, according to the anti-corruption agency.
The ACB alleged that foodgrains and funds earmarked for the welfare scheme were diverted in violation of prescribed procedures, causing financial loss to the government. Investigators examined documents relating to the supply, allocation and distribution of rice, along with records concerning the expenditure of cooking costs.
The alleged manipulation of official records is a key aspect of the case. According to the ACB, forged documents were used to create an incorrect record of the movement and utilisation of rice. The forensic examination of the documents was also incorporated into the investigation before the chargesheet was submitted before the court.
The case has been registered under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, and the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) relating to criminal misconduct, forgery, use of forged documents, destruction of evidence and criminal conspiracy.
The chargesheet against Farooq has been filed under Sections 5(1)(c) and 5(1)(d), read with Section 5(2), of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, and Sections 465, 468, 471, 201 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code.
Farooq is currently serving as a government employee. The ACB said the required prosecution sanction was obtained before filing the chargesheet against him.
The other key accused in the case, former ZEO Shah Nawaz Khan, died during the course of the proceedings. As a result, prosecution proceedings against him could not continue. The investigation and subsequent prosecution have therefore proceeded against Farooq after the necessary sanction was obtained.
The MDM scheme provides foodgrains and financial assistance for cooking meals for schoolchildren. The alleged diversion of rice and cooking funds has therefore raised questions over the handling of resources allocated under a government welfare programme.
The matter will now be examined by the Special Anti-Corruption Court during the judicial proceedings. The allegations contained in the chargesheet and the evidence collected by the ACB will be subject to scrutiny during the trial. Filing of the chargesheet represents the agency’s allegations; the accused will have the opportunity to contest them before the court.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
